Hawks Players to Appear at High School Football Games Around Atlanta
By Brad Rowland
Sep 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks power forward Al Horford (15) and power forward Paul Millsap (4) pose with head coach Mike Budenholzer (center) during media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
If you are a diehard Hawks fan (and I know you’re out there!), there is a real opportunity to meet some of your favorite athletes in a community setting. Members of the Hawks will be at two local high school football games on Friday night, and the full details are listed in an official press release from the Hawks (see below).
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ATLANTA, GA —— On Friday, October 18, 2013, Atlanta Hawks players, coaches, cheerleaders and Harry the Hawk will show their support for two of Atlanta’s Friday night high school football match-ups. Head coach Mike Budenholzer and players Al Horford and Paul Millsap will be on-site for the Alpharetta vs. Chattahoochee game at Chattahoochee, while Jeff Teague and Lou Williams will attend the Stephenson vs. Miller Grove contest being held at Halford Stadium.
“The Hawks are proud to not only be a part of representing the city as a professional team, but to also support the student-athletes who make Atlanta’s sports landscape so special,” said Bob Williams, President, Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena. “We are excited to be a part of the activities at these two games and look forward to engaging with the crowds.”
Players attending the Alpharetta vs. Chattahoochee game will be wearing pink in support of the school’s “Pink Out” fundraiser forNorthside Hospital Breast Care Cancer Center.
“October 18 is going to be a big night at the ‘Hooch’, stated Milo Mathis, Athletic Director, Chattahoochee High School. “It’s an important Region Football Game against Alpharetta and a big pregame ceremony recognizing cancer survivors. We are especially excited that the Atlanta Hawks will join us in our ‘Pink Out’ festivities. We are looking forward to celebrating a great cause and some great football action.”
“DeKalb County loves our Atlanta Hawks!!,” said Horace C. Dunson, Jr., Executive Director of Athletics, DeKalb County School District. “Our student-athletes and fans from Stephenson and Miller Grove will get the opportunity to interact with the Hawks players, cheerleaders and coaches. We are excited about the show of support for our high school sports programs from the Hawks.”
The Atlanta Hawks open their season at Philips Arena on Friday, November 1 vs. the Toronto Raptors.
Other players in attendance at Chattahoochee include Gustavo Ayon, Jared Cunningham, Royal Ivey, John Jenkins and Dennis Schröder, while Pero Antic, Elton Brand, DeMarre Carroll, Eric Dawson, James Johnson, Shelvin Mack and Mike Scott will be at Halford Stadium.
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This, for me, is an awesome initiative in an attempt to bridge the gap between the team and the community. Atlanta is certainly a “football town” (in a football region), but there’s plenty of room for quality hoops and this is a great idea. It’s difficult to imagine a more “friendly” scenario to go out and meet members of the organization, and they will (hopefully) be coming off of a victory in Thursday’s home opener in the preseason against the Spurs. Come out and meet the Hawks!