LSU Instills Hope to the Kids of Scottish Rite Hospital
The LSU football team visits Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. The Tigers are in town for the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 7th against Texas A&M.
Head Coach Les Miles and the LSU Tigers took time to visit hundreds of kids at Scottish Rite Hospital Tuesday morning as part of their 75th AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic activities.
The event took place in the hospital’s pavilion area, where the children and staff members greeted the team and Coach Miles. During their visit, the players and coaching staff were welcomed by J. C. Montgomery, Jr., President of Scottish Rite Hospital and long-time hospital volunteer Rhenn Whirley, who played in the 47th Annual Cotton Bowl for LSU. Whirley along with Montgomery and patient Brook Taylor presented Coach Miles with art work he drew as a gift. The art piece featured the 75th AT&T Cotton Bowl logo that was drawn in the middle of the picture, along with the LSU logo, and the Cowboys Stadium field.
“We are thankful to the AT&T Cotton Bowl committee and Scottish Rite for allowing us to come and visit,” stated Miles. “Today is a day these players will never forget. This is something that is going to sink in and they will get a lot out of by spreading hope and giving love to these kids.”
While visiting the children’s rooms, the players walked around the LSU themed pavilion, autographing Scottish Rite Hospital caps and LSU t-shirts.
The AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic in partnership with the Dr Pepper Snapple Group provided gift bags which contained 75th Annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic t-shirts and posters for the children. The Dr Pepper Snapple Group also provided snacks for the guests.
WR Russell Shepard was happy to take part in a big event such as this and give back to the city of Dallas. Being there for him was not only a precious moment, but an inspiration. “Every day is precious,” said Russell. “Life doesn’t last forever and we must embrace each moment. The hard work and determination these kids show us means a lot. We work hard to play a game; they work hard to fight for their life.”
CB Patrick Peterson felt honored that they were able to come and reach out to the children. “It’s an honor to come out here and be role models to these kids. It’s not only special to me, but to this football team,” said Peterson. “These kids are people we look up to. They have a tough lifestyle and coming out here today helps make life better for them, by coming and autographing things and visiting with them. It’s something they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
