Youth Program Helps County Athletes
Published: Jun 18, 2007
ADVERTISEMENT
More from this channel:
Search for more information:
TAMPA - Adrian and Sean Dixon grew up near the corner of 29th and Lake, an area in East Tampa once known for constant criminal activity. They remember the empty tavern that used to sit there.
But thanks in part to a federally funded program called Youth Opportunity (YO!), the site was developed by the city of Tampa in 2000 to help young people such as the Dixons get into college, as well as provide a positive outlook on life. The Audrey Spotford Youth & Family Center is aimed to reach youths ages 13-21.
The Dixons, former football standouts at Chamberlain High, said college and pro athletes would stop by to give words of encouragement and training tips.
"There's so much negative influence in the neighborhood," Adrian said. "Just them being here is positive. All [kids] need is that push."
Sean said staffers at the center would spread into the community, persuading kids to join. "Counselors were like scouts," he said.
For seven years, many Hillsborough County athletes have used the program to maintain academic and athletic success. Today, the program still exists but goes under a new title - the 100 Youth Leadership Movement.
Recent members of the program include former Middleton and University of Pittsburgh-bound defensive back Sherod Murdock, former Robinson and Florida International-bound receiver Greg Ellingson and soon to be Hillsborough High senior lineman Moses McCray, who has verbally committed to Florida State.
Alumni include Sherod's older brother and former Middleton defensive back and track star O.J. Murdock, former Chamberlain and now Eagles defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley, and ex-Hillsborough High and current Devil Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes.
Sean Dixon, now 22, was a cornerback at Vanderbilt University and a member of the 2002 Chamberlain team that went to the Class 5A state championship. Adrian Dixon, now 25, is a Florida State graduate currently working with the Tampa Bay Bucs as a physical trainer. During the organization's recent awards ceremony at the Ragan Park Community Center, both were honored for being the first graduates and athletes to return to the program.
Sherod, along with his twin sister, Shereena, joined the program at the age of 12. He said he witnessed the power of the program first hand through his older brother and the Dixons. He realized how valuable his time in the program actually was.
"My dad wasn't here, so this program was like a father to me," he said.
Sherod said the program offered different classes, such as dining etiquette, as well as tutoring programs.
"It has been a blessing for me, especially being a single parent," said Jamesena Murdock, Sherod's mother. "They helped with grades. They even got on me a little bit."
Joe Troupe is a former YO! counselor and track coach at Middleton. He said he used sports as a means to connect with youths.
"They wanted sports, and we gave it to them," he said. "If you give them what they want, you can provide them what they need. Sports was like a ministry for us. It was a way for us to get into their heads. When people are tired, they're vulnerable. When they're tired, they'll listen to you. We gave them hope. It's all about building relationships."
In October 2005, the program was on the verge of failing when federal funds used to start the program ran low. However, the Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commission each granted $200,000 to keep it afloat. The commission also approved the same amount for 2006-07.
Youth counselor Romey Battle, who has worked with Tampa youths for 14 years, said programs like the 100 Youth Leadership Movement must continue.
"You're taking kids who are coming from a neighborhood where they're more likely to go to prison than college," Battle said. "You have kids that are graduating from college because of programs like this."
For more information on the 100 Youth Leadership Movement, visit www.cdcoftampa.org.
Keyword: Preps, to view NewsChannel 8 sports reporter Dan Lucas' interview with Sherod Murdock. Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 865-4848 or nwilliams@tampatrib.com.
