Lions help kick off Red Ribbon Week at CSDB

There are times when sight and sound are definitely overrated.

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men's basketball team helped kick off Red Ribbon Week Monday at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind and the atmosphere was, well, tactile.

"You could feel it," said CSDB Superintendent Carol Hilty. "You could see and feel their enthusiasm and energy."

The Mountain Lions dribbled, passed and dunked as the students roared their approval. Those unable to vocalize showed their appreciation by waving their hands above their heads.

"We can motivate in all parts of life through athletics," said Hilty. "Athletics is such a great bridge for many other things so it was just tremendous for them to be here this morning."

The impact wasn't lost on the Mountain Lions, who

"It was fun," said UCCS coach Russ Caton, whose son Tyson is a student at CSDB. "Our guys enjoyed doing it and I think (the CSDB students) enjoyed it."

UCCS players Nic Fuller, Kyle Perkins, Eric Davis, Tomaul Hawkins, Rob Howe and Frank McCollum joined Caton at the festivities. After a display of basketball skills, Caton talked to the students with the help of a sign language interpreter and presented Hilty with two bags of red ribbons for the students.

Red Ribbon Week honors the life of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty while trying to stop the drug trade. Among other things, CSDB students will wear red from head to toe one day during the week and will also sign an anti-drug banner that will be sent to President George W. Bush.

Hilty hopes that Monday's cooperative effort is just one step towards a greater relationship.

"There are some great organizations and agencies within the Pikes Peak region where we can partner and do even greater work than we do individually," said Hilty. "UCCS is certainly one of those organizations."