A spat (common in sports, popularized by football) is an over-the-cleat ankle tape job that provides support to the ankle, allowing the player to better control his/her body movement and overall athletic performance.
Usually, it is part of the player’s ritual of “getting ready to play the game.” Just like the on the field “spat,” The Student Program for Academic & Athletic Transitioning (SPAAT) was created to provide student athletes with the support needed to be ready to play the game of life.
No matter what sport they play, the organization helps them SPAAT up for life!
And over the of June 1st weekend, SPAAT helped the kids go to their next steps with the 6th Annual ESPY awards ceremony. Designed to recognize, honor and support student-athletes in the Oakland school district, the ESPYs awards students for working as hard in the classroom as they do on the field of play.
At this weekend’s spectacular, SPAAT Co-Founder & CEO, Harold Pearson said, “It is a privilege to honor and celebrate the academic and athletic achievements of our Oakland student-athletes.”
StrapemUpSports sponsored the Marvel A. Smith lineman award and championship rings, at this years’ ESPYs.
“As a product of the OAL, I believe in giving back to student athletes of the league that helped shape me into the person I am today. The lessons learned during my time in the OAL, gave me the skills and work-ethic to get a college education scholarship and a 25-year career as a mental health clinician. I’ll always be in their debt.” Dave Hill, Founder, StrapemUpSports
NBA Hall of Famer, NBA Champion and Skyline Titan, Gary Payton gave us his encouragement and vowed to increase his support of SPAAT students for years to come!
Todd Walthall, Executive Vice President of Markets at Blue Shield of California partnered with SPAAT and the Gary Payton Foundation to present over $18,000 in scholarships to Oakland student-athletes!
OAL Female Student Athlete of the Year and winner of a $7,500 College Scholarship: Tiffany Siu, Oakland Tech, Basketball, Badminton – 3.60 GPA
OAL Male Student Athlete of the Year and winner of a $7,500 College Scholarship: Emmanuel Yorke, Madison Park, Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field – 3.65GPA
2019 OAL All-Academic Team
Caroline Garrett, Oakland Tech 4.23 GPA
Eleanor Wikstrom, Skyline 4.11 GPA
Mark Ho’Ching, McClymonds 3.43 GPA
Siale Liku, Oakland High 3.53 GPA
Each team member was awarded a $1,000 scholarship!
2019 Oakland Legends Award Winner! John Beam, Laney College Athletic Director and Head Football Coach
CCCAA* State Champion and #1 Ranked JC Football program in the country!
*California Community College Athletic Association
Greg McConnell presented Michael Peters, just one of our 3 OAL CIF State Championship
Coaches of the Year
Oakland A’s Detra Paige and Atlanta Falcons VP present the Middle School Student Athlete of the Year Award to Liz Sanchez, Montera!
Stephen Moore, ACES Foundation and Jeff Taylor present Middle School Coach of the Year honors to Colby Knapp, Frick Impact Academy!
Darryl Aikens Memorial Scholarship presented by Tierra Barker, Brian & Relonda McGhee and Oakland Promise Ambassador Ay’Anna Moody to Tamia Holmes, McClymonds – 4.11 GPA
NBA and WNBA Hall of Fame backcourt, Gary Payton and Ruthie Bolton-Holyfield posing on the Red Carpet!
Strap’em Up Sports Marvel A.Smith award goes to Mark Ho’Chi, McClymonds who is headed to attend the Univ. Northern Arizona!
Pac-12 Conference executive, Will Hunter honored the following OAL Most Valuable Players (left to right)
– Anthony Calderon, LPS Hayward Boy’s Soccer
-Jamie Burgasser, Oakland Tech Softball
-Melesungu ‘Ofa, Skyline,Girl’s Volleyball
-Andrea Zak-Lee, Oakland Tech Lacrosse
USTA Northern California’s Vince Owens honored Amber Hernandez the 2019 OAL Singles Tennis Champion with an education award.
