Leadership and Teamwork: The New England Patriots' Formula for Success

After showing a highlight video clip from the SuperBowl victory, three members of the NFL Champion New England Patriots emerge to tell the audience about the importance of teamwork. Patriots� DT Richard Seymour (with mic) is joined by TE Jermaine Wiggins (left) and P Ken Walter.

BOSTON, MA – BOSTON, MA � Two hundred of the state's top high school student athletes were honored during the 2002 on April 30th at Northeastern's Blackman Auditorium.

The event, entitled, "Leadership & Teamwork: The New England Patriot�s Formula for Success," featured a motivation presentation by three members of the Super Bowl Champion Patriots: Defensive Tackle Richard Seymour, Tight End Jermaine Wiggins (from East Boston), and Punter Ken Walter. Each player shared their thoughts on the success that results from teamwork.

"Teamwork and Leadership skills are some of the best qualities that you can have," said Seymour, the 6'6, 305-lb first-round draft pick of 2001. "To be a good leader, you have got to be a good follower ... listen to your elders, respect your teachers ... do the little things to be successful."

Northeastern University President Richard M. Freeland welcomes the "cream of the crop" of Massachusetts' High School Student-Athletes to the NCAS' Mass. Citizenship Awards.

The ceremony, a collaboration between Sport in Society and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), is held in honor of National Student-Athlete Day (NSAD).

Featured speakers at the 6th-annual event included: NU President, Richard M. Freeland; NCAS Regional Director, Kevin J. Matthews; MIAA Assistant Executive Director, William N. Gaine, Jr.; Sport in Society's Senior Associate Director Allyce Najimy; and (then) NU Athletic Director, Ian McCaw.

NU Women's Ice Hockey star and National Player of the Year, Brooke Whitney, was the keynote speaker.

"At Sport in Society we believe that all athletes and all people have the potential to be good role models if they are trained or given experience," said Matthews. "Your accomplishments show that you have a foundation of [that] strength. Today�s program will help clarify what it means to be a leader in our society and how to work together in a team."

The event featured three interactive panels, featuring an adult, a college student-athlete, and two high schoolers. The panels focused on the role as leaders on-and-off the field.

The event was organized by Sport in Society's Special Events Coordinator Benjamin Weiss. Urban Youth Sports Stephen D. Burke assisted as Stage Manager.

Each student in attendance left with an official Mass. Citizenship Award Certificate.

Members of the 2002 Grand National Champion Northeastern University Cheerleaders get the party started in exciting fashion with an electrifying routine at NU�s Blackman Auditorium.