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Current, Former Pro Footballers Coming To Hudson Park

Aug. 24 At Veteran's Memorial To Promote Tutoring Program

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: August 21, 2008

HUDSON - Two constants defining every autumn are the coinciding commencements of football season and a new school year.

Huntington Learning Center is preparing to combine the two this Sunday, Aug. 24, at Veteran's Memorial Park for an afternoon of athletics and educational awareness.

Helping with the football portion of the day will be a number of current and former professional players. They will be holding autograph sessions as well as running group and individual skill clinics and drills.

Chris Garrido, in public relations with HLC, said the exact number of players showing up will be seen on Sunday, but did list strong possibilities. They include:

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers long-snapper Ryan Benjamin, a River Ridge High School and University of South Florida product.

Former NFL cornerback Corey Sawyer.

Current Bucs and former Florida Gators Earnest Graham and Ike Hilliard.

Two-thirds of the place-kicking Gramatica brothers, Santiago and Bill, who played their college ball at USF.

Arena Football League players Thaddeus Bullard, Lawrence Samuels, Nyle Wiren and Shane Stafford.

According to an HLC press release, "The event is aimed at raising awareness about Huntington's free tutoring services that are available to qualifying elementary aged students in Pasco County."

The free services HLC provide are part of the No Child Left Behind Act. Sixteen Pasco elementary schools are qualified by the county to participate.

"One thing we're trying to get out there is that we're strongly encouraging the parents to come to give them the information," Garrido said, mentioning paperwork and aides will be at the park to educate parents on how to utilize HLC's services.

The event is free of charge and welcomes all who wish to attend. Food and beverages will also be provided.

This is the first year Huntington has held such an event and it is currently planned to be an annual happening, Garrido said.

The "Kickoff" is scheduled to get under way at 11 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Park is north of the intersection of Hicks Road and Hudson Avenue.

For more information on the festivities or the Huntington Learning Center, call Chris Garrido at 813-245-6382. The nearest HLC is at 8647-1 Little Road, New Port Richey.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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