SAGINAW - Saginaw Valley State University Director of Athletics Mike Watson and a pair of student-athletes recently paid a visit to the local North Saginaw Charter Academy.  Watson was joined by women's track & field student-athlete Emerald Joiner and mens basketball student-athlete Damon Bozeman.

The goal of the visit was to engage with the students and stress the importance of academics and the role it will play throughout their entire life.  

Joiner gave her thoughts on the visit and the importance of staying on top of the grades...

"Inner-city students have a higher tendency to rely on the thought that sports will 'get them out.'  Whether that be out of school or out of a bad situation, they see sports as the end goal. So we were there to explain to them that, yes, sports are a great tool and outlet; however, sports without an education is a means to an end. So, after sharing my story and talking with the students, I hope I was able to convey that there is nothing wrong with having high athletic goals, but in order to be successful in life, the academics have to be the number one priority. Your body can only handle so many years of sports, whereas your education will last your lifetime."

Bozeman added his thoughts on the visit and what it means to blend a great education with athletics...

"Damon Quote"