DES MOINES – Carver Elementary School’s gymnasium was transformed into a field of mentorship and athletic development as Iowa State football players spent Monday afternoon leading drills and building relationships at the Boys & Girls Club.
The clinic offered kids the chance to practice drills and skills while interacting with the athletes.
Zaimir Hawk, a redshirt junior defensive lineman, said the club shaped his childhood, so he felt compelled to return as a mentor.
“Honestly it means a lot because I’m a former Boys & Girls Club member so just to be able to be a part of this just means a lot to me because I always wanted to be a part of something like this when I was younger,” Hawk said.
“So just to be able to give back to the community and everybody else that supports us is a wonderful thing. Honestly, that was the first time I ever went outdoors and camping — it put me outside of my comfort zone. I think that that’s what a lot of kids need nowadays is to be put out of their comfort zone to be able to know what they’re capable of because that’s what every human needs especially at a young age.”
Making an unforgettable day
The event, held at the Ellis I. Levitt Club and supported by T-Mobile, aimed to provide local youth with a memorable experience while reinforcing the university’s ties to central Iowa.
“Healthy lifestyles and character and leadership are core pillars incorporated into daily programming at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa,” said Kim Peter, the clubs’ corporate and donor engagement coordinator.
Hawk saw some talent on the field and future recruiting prospects.
“Watching the kids do the D-line drill, watching the confusion then the, ‘Ah, OK I get it,’” he said. “Watching them work hard and just finishing through no matter how it looked … They were just happy at the end of the day. If I’m being honest, a lot of these kids had a lot of potential. We need to come recruit at the Boys & Girls Club.”
Several transfers were in attendance, including Jaylen Raynor (formerly of Arkansas State), Braden Smith (Tarleton State), Tristan Exline (University of Texas Permian Basin), Evan Boyd (Michigan State), Tyler Fortenberry (Arkansas State) and Trevor Fortenberry (Copiah-Lincoln Community College). Their involvement with the 60 young participants likely turned those children into the newest members of the Cyclone fanbase.
“It’s a lot of fun to come out here, get involved with the community with some of my teammates just to have some fun and get some kids active and moving around … Trying to continue to pour into the community. They pour so much into us with the support on every Saturday. [The fans] are super passionate. They’re loving. They’re consistent. They always show up and show out. I’m excited to get into the stadium this fall and play in front of them.”
Event is close to home
For Aiden Flora, who played high school football 30 minutes west of Carver Elementary, the camp was truly close to home.
“It’s awesome, these kids look up to us,” he said. “When we were little, we looked up to football players, like us, too. It’s awesome giving back to them. Hopefully we can spread some happiness in their lives.”
Jerry Brantley, the board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa and a football player himself at Coe College from 1999 to 2003, highlighted how the seamless interaction between the players and the children created an environment for teaching skills and fostering confidence.
“This is a special day for these kids. Being able to have your local college athletes come — these athletes that have dedicated time, resources and energy to developing their skills, but not only that, their leadership and their character,” he said.
“I saw one kid almost knock the player down hitting the bag and man, she had some power. It was just a day I think they will remember forever.”
The day concluded with a shared sense of pride, as Hawk summed up the spirit: “Go Iowa State. Go Cyclones.”
