Moats connects with fans
Ex-Tech star enjoys taking time to meet supporters
, buddy@rustonleader.com
05-18-2008
Wesley Boersma had a big smile on his face as he walked into the World of Wings on Saturday afternoon.He had just spotted his favorite player in the National Football League: Ryan Moats.
Moats, one of Louisiana Tech University’s all-time greats, was making an appearance at the new Ruston eatery to promote a youth camp he’s hosting at his college alma mater in late June, “meet and greet” local fans and to sign trading cards, photos and other items.
Just as he was during his Tech career, Moats was a huge hit.
Especially to Boersma, who is arguably the most avid fan of Moats.
The senior at Ruston High School can recite a cornucopia of statistics and records authored by Moats during his caeer.
“He’s the best,” answered Boersma when somebody asked him who was his favorite player in the professional ranks. “Ryan Moats is the best.”
A few minutes later, there’s “Number 23” popping up on a huge wide-screen monitor.
Moats had brought a personal DVD chocked full of various highlights as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and it provided the perfect Kodak moments for young fans and others who were waiting in line for his signature.
In addition to showing some of his runs as a member of the Eagles for the past two seasons, the DVD included some of the memorable moments the Dallas native created while with the Bulldogs; he was the club’s single-season rushing leader twice, was selected as the top offensive player in the Western Athletic Conference, included on various All-American squads and named as a Doak Walker Award finalist as a senior.
If the turnout Saturday is any measuring stick, Moats should have a successful debut with his camp.
Many of the young fans indicated they plan to attend the three-day event that will be held June 27-29 at the Tech practice field and open for student-athletes between the ages of four-to-18; the main purpose of “Camp Moats” will be held to give campers “an insight into what their future levels of competition will be like both academically and athletically.”
A typical day during the camp will feature morning and afternoon practice sessions, plus an interactive “Madden Tournament” competition at night.
Moats was in his vintage “give back” mode during the appearance at WOW, intermingling with youngsters and their parents and others who stopped by either to meet him or dine.
During his days at Tech, he was well-known for staying long after a game had concluded to sign autographs or speak with fans.
“It’s very important to give back,” Moats said. “I have always enjoyed doing that and I think it’s my responsibility to do so, to be able to give something back to all of those who support you along the way. Especially the young fans. I have always enjoyed doing that.”
When he was at Tech, Moats befriended Boersma and the two have remained friends ever since.
Since joining the Eagles as a third round draftee in 2005, Moats has sent various signed items from his teammates to Boersma, among them being a pair of shoes from quarterback Donovan McNabb.
“There are some guys in the league who don’t want to take the time to sign things for fans,” Moats said. “I can’t understand that, it’s just wrong.”
His good friend, Wesley Boersma, certainly wouldn’t understand, either.
MOATS’ NOTES: Youngsters interested in signing up for Moats’ camp can request a brochure about the various activities by writing in care of “Camp Moats, P.O. Box 5657… Moats’ roommate during his first season of 2005 in Philadelphia was none other than TERRELL OWENS. “He’s a great guy,” Moats said of the oftentimes controversial receiver. “I had a similar injury that Terrell had had and he really helped me out on how to deal with it and all. When I was working out in Dallas, he came out and helped there, too.”
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