Speaking to the Youth

New York City public schools used to produce some of the best college football athletes in the nation. But budget cuts and demographic changes have severely lowered the quality of public school football in the City.

Obviously, there are many exceptions to the rule, including Penn State-bound Stephen Obeng Agyapong, pictured above.

Nevertheless, the young athletes who play sports in the city are to be admired and they got a special treat at an awards ceremony this week where Columbia Head Coach Norries Wilson was the keynote speaker.

It's great to see Coach Wilson making his presence felt in this city, even if PSAL schools aren't recruiting goldmines. It shows character considering the self-serving efforts that so many coaches are guilty of when it comes to their interactions with high school athletes.