THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511160633
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JENNIFER BENNETT, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 97 lines
To beat the chilly November wind, people wrapped themselves inside their blankets or arms as they sat on their lawn chairs. Those standing stepped from side to side to keep warm and hollered, ``Go Raiders Go!''
On a school field in Aragona, pint-size football stars played to win recently, but part of their leader's game-plan is also to help them learn serious lessons about life.
The Aragona-Pembroke Recreation League has sponsored athletic programs for area children for the past 30 years. ``We're trying to continue the tradition,'' said Leslie Hawks, a 41-year-old former Marine, civil service worker and president of the league.
Six years ago, Hawks' son, Kemel, wanted to play on a baseball team, but the family had no car. To show his son the value of determination, Hawks rode a bicycle with his son to games and practices until they bought a car, he said. As a result, Hawks tightened the bond with his son and with the recreation league, which is composed mostly of African-American boys from 5 to 15 years old.
Hawks said he saw a need for more young black men to be coaches. He put his own recreation baseball, high school football captain and adult basketball coaching experience into motion and took up the challenge. Now the 11-year Aragona resident mentors, advises, encourages and oversees the recreation league's 11 football, nine baseball and four basketball teams. Under his leadership, the league has expanded to include a midget football league for 5- to 7-year-olds, as well as a girls' basketball team for ages 13 and 14.
At a glance, these activities appear to be just a fun way to keep kids off the streets, but there's much more. Hawks said he believes in the discipline that comes from sports and applies this to his interaction with youth. Athletic activities teach young people respect for authority, self-control and conflict resolution, he said. ``It fosters the strength of mind, body and character that are essential qualities needed to overcome life's obstacles, he added.
``Today's problem kids tend to look in other places than themselves for answers,'' said the Portsmouth native. ``I tell them to be assured of what you're doing and the rest will come.''
To combat drugs, teen pregnancy and other problems facing today's youth, he said he gets back to old teachings about respect for self and others.
As a young man growing up in the Churchland section of Portsmouth, he participated in community sports and received continual support from his neighborhood and family. ``My people always said, `Be all you can be,' '' he said. That's the message he wants to trickle down to his players.
Hawks hopes his combination of concern, coaching and organizational skills make for better children, happier parents and eager volunteers. He talked about one hyperactive and out-of-control boy who became more focused when the others on the team made him accountable for causing trouble.
``Putting responsibility on him made him feel important,'' Hawks said.
If players' grades drop, they are not allowed to practice. Instead, they bring their books to practice and do school work while the rest of the team plays.
Team mothers help a lot, too, Hawks said. While he is always available, players' moms manage fund-raising events and perform other essential administrative tasks. Like many social programs, the league never has enough resources and gets no public funds, Hawks said. It generates money through fund-raising and registration fees. A number of men also volunteer their time coaching or assistant coaching.
Petty Officer Ronald Murray, 34, who coaches children 5 to 7, said he enjoys uncovering their hidden talents and working with them. As some parents see a difference in their sons' development, they become more interested and involved with the team, he said.
Parent Michele Taylor said she uses her 6-year-old son's interest in football to enhance her relationship with him.
``It helps me to communicate with him better,'' she said, ``so we can grow together.''
An only child, Taylor's son plays better with others and shares more since he joined the team, she said. She attends every game, participates in every fund-raiser and helps them in every way possible.
Another parent, Freda Keys, mother of 9-year-old Terron, said her son has become more tenacious. ``It's good for kids from different areas to get together,'' Keys said, ``They learn good . . . ''
``. . . sportsmanship,'' Terron concluded for her.
Hawks, who was recently honored by the United Concerned Citizens League for his contributions to the community, said, ``It's more than just sports with me. I'd like to teach them how to be young men.''
Even after the players grow out of the league, Hawks keeps a relationship with them. Maintaining a presence in the community, he constantly encourages former players to stay out of trouble and lets them know he's watching.
``These kids are in my community,'' he said. ``Somewhere in there it helps; that's my responsibility.'' MEMO: Basketball practice for the Aragona-Pembroke Recreation League starts
Dec. 1. Registration is accepted until January. Call 490-1070.
ILLUSTRATION: Photo by Jennifer Bennett
Leslie Hawks, 41, a former Marine, is a civil servive worker and
president of an expanding Aragona-Pembroke Recreation League.
by CNB