Syracuse student-athletes reached deep into the “Heart of Dixie,” as Syracuse Orange cross country teammates Griff Graves, Steve Murdock and Cassie White spoke to high school athletes from Alabama's Scottsboro High School on August 15th.

Graves was a member of the Scottsboro Wildcats Cross Country Team from 2003 to 2004, where he won two Alabama State Championships before moving to Abingdon, Virginia and claiming two Virginia state titles. Graves was able to connect with the athletes from Scottsboro, because he too had suffered through the practices offered up by Scottsboro Head Coach John Esslinger. While speaking to the athletes, Graves stressed the importance of a good education.

“You will not only be competing with the best in America for jobs when you graduate, you will be competing with the rest of the world," Graves said.

Steve Murdock, who has been rehabbing at the Graves' home in Abingdon, Virginia since May, spoke of his drive to “be the best” and connected with many of the Scottsboro athletes. His staggering daily routine since his move to Graves' home, floored the kids. Murdock wakes up at 4 a.m. for a six-mile run, goes to work for 10 hours and finishes the day with another six-mile run. Murdock is being rehabbed by Graves' father, Dr. Tom Graves, who was an All-Southeastern Conference champion runner for Auburn. Murdock mesmerized the group and with unforgettable tales about his high school experiences and successes at Foot Locker and Nike Team Nationals.

Cassie White spoke to the Scottsboro athletes about the value of consistency and nutrition, her major at Syracuse. White's message of perseverance through injury hit home with many of Scottsboro's hobbled runners. Injured during her junior year of high school, White stressed that the pursuit of excellence is not only accomplished on the field of competition.

“Working through injury gave me the motivation to run even harder. Be consistent in your workouts and in your preparations for each race," White said.

White also caught the attention of many parents who liked her message of good nutrition being a key component to victory.

The highlight of the evening was after their presentation, the Scottsboro athletes approached Graves, Murdock and White and ask them their own personal questions.

“Their visit to Alabama has sparked a flame of excellence that will burn bright in each of our athletes,” Esslinger said. “Having Griff, Steve and Cassie come to Scottsboro will be a defining moment in this season for many of our runners."

The love of competition was deeply evident in each of these Syracuse teammates and Esslinger believes this experience will motivate not only his team, but these Syracuse athletes to excellence this fall.

Scottsboro, Alabama is located in Northeast Alabama. Scottsboro High School athletes have won 23 Alabama Cross Country State Championships since 1991, giving Esslinger 39 State Titles, including five Triple Crowns.

James Munday is a member of the Scottsboro cross country and track boosters.