Life Skills Program
November 04, 1999 | Football
Nov. 4, 1999
LUBBOCK, Texas - An acceleration of existing ?Life Skills? training and educational programs which focus on problems student-athletes encounter outside the classroom and away from the playing venues will begin immediately at Texas Tech, according to an announcement by athletic department officials today.
?We are aware of the importance of educating our student-athletes beyond the classroom and competition,? Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said. ?These young people are entrusted to us during their time at Tech and we owe it to them to provide every opportunity to educate them about the dangers and temptations outside the academic and athletic venues.
?We have programs already in place, but are making a concerted effort to intensify and accelerate those,? Myers said. ?We have many student-athletes who are already taking advantage of these opportunities and there are many success stories as proof. We are committed and determined to maintain those high standards.?
Beginning in the Fall of 1999 the Texas Tech Athletic Department implemented the NCAA Life Skills Program, which is mandatory for all scholarship freshman student-athletes. Although the program targets freshman, additional programs are now being implemented which address the needs of all student-athletes, according to Associate Athletic Director for Student Services Steve Uryasz.
The Texas Tech athletic department has made a concerted effort to provide information during orientation programs for student-athletes, including a full menu of seminars available through the Life Skills Program. The programs focus on student development, as well as academic and personal well being.
?We are very concerned about issues which our student-athletes face daily,? Uryasz said. ?Every effort is being made to educate these young people, not only in the classroom, but in the daily decision-making processes which can enhance their total experience at Texas Tech.?
Through the Life Skills Program, Texas Tech student-athletes have become very involved in community service, have attended gambling and media awareness seminars, as well as health awareness and self esteem programs. Red Raider student-athletes are also exposed to random drug screening processes.