SANTA CLARA, Calif. - San Jose Earthquakes defender James Riley visited Clyde Arbuckle Elementary School in San Jose on Tuesday May 20. Riley entered the packed assembly to the cheers and applause of more than 250 students, who had just finished standardized testing and were rewarded with a special assembly from Principal Rene Sanchez with Riley as guest of honor.
The hour-long visit began with Colorado Springs, Colorado native speaking on his educational experiences as a youth and in college, the importance of staying in school, getting an education and setting goals for yourself. He then answered questions from student body, made up of second through fifth graders, on topics ranging from how many hours a day the team practices to his favorite book.
The defender then led a procession of the student body outside to the school field where teachers were serving ice cream sundaes and popsicles. Outside, he was able mingle with small groups of students and answer more questions from the inquisitive group. He concluded the day by showing and teaching the students several soccer moves.
The San Jose Earthquakes donated 100 tickets to the school for their game this Thursday May 22, at 7:30 p.m. verses the Houston Dynamo.
