Press

Athletes For Kids Offers Mentors for Those in Need

Simi Reynolds knew he had something special when he began mentoring Craig Moscaret two years ago.

Reynolds, a baseball and football star, and Craig, a fourth-grader who has Tourette's Syndrome, developed an extraordinary relationship. in fact Reynolds, a Skyline High senior, often thought other high school athletes might enjoy a similar experience mentoring grade school students who have special needs. so did Moscaret's father and mother, Reynolds’ father, and several Skyline athletes.

"I saw how an athlete changed Craig's life. I wanted to replicate that model," Ken Moscaret said.

Reynolds' mentorship has led to the creation of a new program: Athletes For Kids. Reynolds, father Jimmy Reynolds, and Ken and Liz Moscaret have co founded a mentorship program that matches local high school athletes with elementary school students who have special needs or disabilities.

"As far as we know, this is the only program of its kind in the nation," said the elder Moscaret.

Currently Athletes For Kids has a pilot program on the Plateau. The program runs through June. Next year, Athletes For Kids plans on recruiting mentors from Issaquah and Liberty high schools.

"We want to help kids at the rest of the elementary schools in the district. Eventually I hope the program spreads to the entire Kingco Conference," Reynolds said. "We want to help as many kids as possible."

In the future, Athletes For Kids will seek corporate sponsorship from local companies and professional sports teams so that the program can expand to other areas.

Seven Skyline sophomores have been chosen by Reynolds to be mentors this spring: Dan Strelke, Zach Habben, Scott Nelson, Mallory Graving, J.J. Williams, Jaden Villnow and Bryce Atkins. Habben, who plays football, basketball and baseball, has already been placed with a youngster.

"My first day with him was just great," Habben said. "We spent about three hours together. I showed him my batting cage in my back yard. He thought it was pretty cool."

Athletes For Kids is a community-based program. It is not sponsored or endorsed by the Issaquah School District and is not affiliated with Friends of Youth, a nonprofit organization that counsels families.

However, Athletes For Kids has received district permission to inform parents at Cascade Ridge and Endeavour elementary schools. The district also approved an informational flyer for posting at both schools. Casey Witman of Friends of Youth is serving in an advisory capacity.

Ken Moscaret said the program chose to work with elementary students because "We believe that's where the greatest need is. If we can intervene when these kids are in elementary school and build them up, they may be less likely to become depressive, marginalized or isolated teens."

Reynolds said there is a reason sophomore athletes were chosen.

"This way, there is a chance of creating a bond between the athlete and the grade school kid that will continue for the next two years and quite possibly for the rest of their lives," Reynolds said.

Reynolds, who is director of the mentors, chose the seven athletes from a list of more than 50. He did a thorough investigation of each athletes.

"I looked into what their reputation was with their teachers and their classmates. I talked to their teachers about what they were like in the classroom," Reynolds said. "I was looking for students who would be good role models and students who interacted will with disabled kids at school."

Many of the students became inspired after reading a Press article about Reynolds' mentoring of Craig Moscaret.

"When I read the article, I knew I wanted to be part of something like that," Habben said.

Habben and Graving, a volleyball player, each have experience working with students with special needs. They tutor special-education students at Skyline.

"Being a mentor to little kids was something I've wanted to do for a long time," Graving said.

Atkins, who competes in football, also has experience working with elementary-school-age students. He volunteers each week at The Arbor School, a private school near Skyline.

One of the sophomores originally picked for the mentorship program was Josh Williams, who died in a snowboarding accident in January.

"He was at the top of the list," Reynolds said.

Meanwhile, six Skyline athletes eagerly await their assignments.

"I can't wait to get started. This is an opportunity that doesn't come around every day," said Strelke, who plays football and competes in track. "I want to help kids in our community. I want to help the reputation of athletes across the state, too."

The athletes are required to spend at least eight hours a month with their student. Ken Moscaret said they could exceed that amount.

"I think we will spend more than eight hours a month. We might even do it in a week," Strelke said.

J.J. Williams, who plays football and baseball, said "I think everyone is willing to sacrifice time each week to help a little kid."

The mentors are encouraged to invite their students to games.

"I still remember the first time I brought Craig to a football game and how excited he was," Simi Reynolds said.

Jimmy Reynolds, who has two other sons playing major college baseball, noted other benefits to mentoring.

"The skills of the athletes are going to get better because working with disabled kids will make them work harder as athletes," Jimmy Reynolds said.

While seven mentors have been chosen for this spring, Simi Reynolds noted, "I'm looking for mentors every day."

Ken Moscaret said Athletes For Kids is answering President George Bush's call for volunteers. Last month Bush told a crowd in Pittsburgh, "Maybe if you're interested in helping fight the war on terror you should become a mentor to a child."

Moscaret said, "Our program is taking the president literally and answering his challenge. I think mentoring might be the proudest thing these kids ever do in their lives."