Play It Smart

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DALLAS, June 26, 2009 - The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today that Quinton Watson, a junior running back from Huguenot High School in Richmond, Virginia, has claimed top honors as the Play It Smart National Student-Athlete of the Month for April. “We are proud to hold Quinton out as an example of football ’s ability to build leaders, ” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “He is a well-rounded student-athlete who has capitalized on all the opportunities that exist at Huguenot, and we look forward to following his career as he continues his record of achievements at the next level. ” Waston, an honor roll student and active volunteer for the Westover Hills Community Center, has excelled as a three-sport star in football, basketball, and track at Huguenot, and he credits his participation in Play It Smart with helping him identify his goals to attend college and pursue a career in either sports medicine or physical therapy. “Play It Smart has genuinely helped Quinton to understand the value of an education, the concept of responsibility, and giving to others, ” said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. “We applaud his new determination and wish him the best of luck during his senior season. ” Play It Smart has been active at Huguenot since 2002 and continues to play an integral role in the lives and futures of the school ’s student-athletes. Watson has embraced Play It Smart and the rigorous requirements set forth by his academic coach Louis Anderson and head football coach Ron Gundry (a former Academic Coach). His strong work ethic, willingness to always help others, and determination to be successful in sports as well as in life led Anderson to nominate Watson for the award. “Quinton has played a powerful role on our team, leading by example and always embracing the high standards that we set, ” said Anderson. “Being recognized for a national award is a fitting tribute to his hard word and contributions to our team on and off the field. ” With a grade point average exceeding a 3.0 and earning district honorable mention on the field as a freshman, Watson began his high school career on the right track. He had positioned himself to become a standout varsity player and the Falcons ’ starting running back until he suffered a broken left femur during his sophomore year. The injury prevented him from participating in any sports, and he lost focus off the field too. “When I broke my leg I was really upset, and I completely shut down. I didn ’t know how to deal with the injury, and my grades suffered, ” explained Watson. “At the time of my injury, I was taking several advanced core classes, but I didn ’t know how to study properly and my work ethic wasn ’t at the level that I needed to be a successful student. Play It Smart helped me realize that things don ’t always workout with sports, and that you need to have a backup plan. ” Watson began to work with his academic coach and teachers to improve his time management and study skills. His renewed focus produced an increase in his GPA from a 2.9 to a 3.

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