.png)
September 25, 2008
By Teresa Varley
The Steelers reached out to local high schools this week to promote healthy living and reduce the use of steroids and drugs among high school athletes as a part of the NFL’s Atlas & Athena School Program.
Athletes from five local High Schools, Hampton, Penns Manor, North Hills, West Allegheny and Baldwin, attended a seminar at Heinz Field that focused on the importance of nutrition and exercise.
Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth spoke to the group and let them know you can achieve your dreams and goals the right way, which is drug free.
“You can get to the level where you want to be and do the things that you want to do and dream of doing without using illegal substances,” said Spaeth. “If you get rest, eat right and work hard then you can accomplish anything you want.”
Spaeth used his approach as an example given that he maintains a healthy diet, staying away from fast food, and is a regular in the weight room. He is hoping that his words help to diminish the perception that steroids are needed in order to gain an edge.
“I think it’s big for them to see us and we can show them you can get to this level without doing that stuff,” said Spaeth. “You hear a lot about steroids and kids get wrong perception that they are everywhere and that is not the case.”
