The coach of the Hofstra University men's basketball team, members of his staff, and three of his players recently visited the students at Drexel Elementary in Westbury.

Coach Jay Wright energized the students by having them perform several cheers. He also spoke about the responsibilities that he has as the coach. The players answered questions from the students about the responsibilities of being both a student and a player. Coach Wright encouraged students to follow their aspirations to become athletes, but stressed that being successful takes a lot of hard work in school as well as outside of school. "Happy are those that dream and are willing to pay the price to make those dreams come true," said coach Wright.

The players then dazzled the students with a slam dunk display, gave them an opportunity to shoot baskets against the players, and gave away autographed Hofstra programs and posters. Fifth grader Raymond Escobar won a contest that will allow him to be the honorary coach on Jan. 19, which has been declared "Drexel Avenue Day." Raymond will sit on the bench with the team during the game and all of the students of Drexel Avenue will receive free tickets to the game, along with their families.