JONESBORO, Ark. (11/13/12) – Arkansas State University men's basketball coach John Brady made a visit to Valley View Intermediate School this Tuesday (Nov. 13) to emphasize the importance of good behavior.

The MVP's were selected from the third, fourth, and fifth grades this month as a result of exhibiting good behavior by using the three “Blazer B's”, which stand for be responsible, be safe, and be respectful. 

Brady spoke on what an honor it was for them to earn their class's MVP and why good citizenship, sportsmanship, diligent work in class, and goal setting will help them be successful in life.  Brady then discussed some of the characteristics he looks for in his athletes and the importance for team members to have good character.  Brady also talked about how fortunate the kids were to attend a school like Valley View and be surrounded by people who love and care for them.

“I just wanted to reinforce they've been rewarded for good decisions, positive behavior, and being examples for others,” Brady said.  “Being a coach, I've never really put my arms around the influence you can have.  It is humbling to do this and that I could help in some way.  The teachers and counselors thought this could help reinforce the behavior and good choices which young people need to make to be successful and anything I can do to make that process possible I'm glad to do.”

After the speech, every kid, all of whom wore something Red Wolves related in honor of the visit, had their photo taken with Coach Brady.  Brady also gave every child two tickets to Tuesday night's (Nov. 13) home game against Arkansas-Monticello.

“These are our students that have worked hard throughout the whole school year to set good examples for other students,” said Cheryl Speights, a second and third grade counselor at Valley View.  “For Coach Brady to come out and talk about how he looks for these positive characteristics in students when he's recruiting basketball players and how important it is to have a positive attitude along with being a good team member for the Red Wolves, it just means a lot to these kids to realize that what they are doing now is going to prepare them for what they do in the future.”