Landon, Price speak at CGS
Chester native, and SIU-Carbondale track star Kyle Landon - along with former Saluki DeAnna Price, presented a fantastic assembly last week at Chester Grade School.
The event was arranged and organized by CGS Cross Country Coach, Shannon McDonough.
McDonough got to know Landon and Price the last few years at Southern Illinois University when he worked SIU track and field meets with Rick Powley, Jack Herschbach and Bob Owen in the high jump area.
"I got to know these two great people and athletes at SIU and knew that it would be good to have local kids see and meet them," McDonough said. "They are very motivating and demonstrate to the kids what it takes to be successful in both athletics and life in general."
After weeks of talking to both athletes it was a done deal. Both agreed with no hesitation to speak to the students.
"There are no better people than Kyle and DeAnna to do the job of sending positive messages to our students, and they are both excellent examples of fine, upstanding young people as well as great athletes," McDonough said.
The entire CGS student body, as well as sixth through eighth graders from St. John and St. Mary's schools, attended the presentation.
The event opened with a video of Landon and Price being featured at both SIU and Olympic events.
Landon, as is well known, is a champion high jumper, while Price finished eighth in the Rio Olympics.
"When I was in 6th grade I was not a very good student," Landon said. "I spent my share of time in detention and I came from a rather poor family background."
"When my mom told me I could not play basketball or run track anymore, I finally woke up and started to study and behave myself. I actually made good grades and did not get into trouble any more."
Landon then encouraged students to behave and do their best in school.
"Do your best," he said. "Good students can go far. Find what you enjoy and practice and work hard to achieve your best in whatever you do."
Landon maintains an almost a perfect 4.0 average at SIU, where he is a senior majoring in accounting.
Price was next and started off explaining what her athletic specialty was and how it worked.
"This is an 8.8 pound ball and it is attached to this three-foot line," she said, holding her weight apparatus. "I threw it 275 feet in the Rio Summer Olympics to place 8th in the world.
"Track and Field was my last choice as a kid. I played softball and basketball throughout high school and thought I would try to continue it at SIU-Carbondale."
Price is an accounting and management graduate from SIU with a minor in business law.
"I am 255 pounds! And I own that fact," Price said. "I can squat 600 pounds. I can bench press 255 pounds. I have worn dress sizes 4-20 over the years. I will be your best friend.
"If you need a hug…I am there! I believe in family and friends."
Before closing the assembly, Price had three students come from the audience and she demonstrated how to throw the indoor shot put. CGS Principal Tim Lochhead then asked if anyone would like to see Landon demonstrate his specialty, the high jump.
McDonough and Rick Powley had an official high jump apparatus set up at the opposite end of the gym and Landon did a quick demonstration.
Following the assembly, Landon and Price stood outside the gym in the lobby and said goodbye to every student.
Landon had autographed photos for those students and others who wanted one and Price had a hug for anyone who asked for one.
"I am happy I could give back to the school where it all started and I am thankful to the community of Chester for all of the support I have received over the years," Landon said.