Broncos Entertain, Engage Students at Paw Paw M.S.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Members of the Western Michigan men's basketball team took some time last week to pass on lessons of hard work and determination to seventh- and eighth-grade students at Paw Paw Middle School.

The visit came as part of the school's "Slam Dunk the MEAP" pep rally, a regular event among Michigan schools that encourages students in their efforts to prepare for MEAP testing. Six members of the Broncos men's basketball team - Nate Hutcheson, Brandon Pokley, Darius Paul, Shayne Whittington, and Connar Tava - showed up and spoke to the students about setting and achieving goals, and the importance of a strong academic background.

"What I really wanted to stress to the kids was the proper way accomplish their dreams," said Pokley. "I told them they have to identify their goal, develop a plan for how to reach that goal, and understand the reasons why they want to achieve it. In the end, you have to want to achieve the goal for yourself; it's the only way you can hold yourself accountable to work at it."

After speaking to the assembled students, the Broncos put on a show, performing a number of drills and skills and closing with a slam dunk competition. The students' choice as winner came as no shock; Paw Paw native Shayne Whittington earned the loudest ovation from the crowd.