(October 31, 2012)… Knighthawks Joel White and Joe Walters shared their stories of bullying with over 150 sixth graders at Cosgrove Middle School today to kick off their “We Got Your Back” anti-bullying program.

Walters and White gave three 45-minute presentations in Spencerport that included the signs of bullying and how to handle bullying situations. White shared his story of being bullied in ninth grade after he was called up from the JV to the Varsity soccer team at Cortland High School. He was shunned for two weeks by his teammates until the coach held a team meeting.

White’s most touching speech, however, was about a kid he befriended last year at an anti-bullying event at his high school alma mater. After witnessing the shy student being bullied, White spent the day with Johnny. At lunch, he introduced him to two kids that would become his best friends.

“How long does it take to spend lunch with someone you don’t know? In just 45 minutes you can change someone’s day or someone’s life,” said White.

Walters was a sixth grader who transferred schools and was bullied because of his Vietnamese heritage. He explained that the problem was resolved only after he reported the abuse to a teacher. He stressed to kids to seek help from parents, teachers, school counselors, school principals or friends. Only after he reported the bullying did the three to four weeks of constant badgering end for Walters, who now advocates for anti-bullying.

"When kids see us and we play for the Knighthawks, kids might start to pay more attention,” said Walters. “We have done a great job with the counselors here and just trying to get our message across.”

It is estimated that about 30 percent of students in sixth through 10th grade in the United States are involved in bullying on a regular basis. The kids at Cosgrove Middle School signed the team’s pledge that was originally created by Ann Marie Leonardi of Hurricanes Lacrosse, which was adopted by the Knighthawks during the 2012 season. One of the pledge banners will be hung in the school, while the second will be displayed at The Blue Cross Arena on Knighthawks game nights.

During the school year, teachers and administrators at Cosgrove Middle School will reward students who are being positive role models and standing up to bullying with a voucher for two tickets to a Knighthawks game.

“I am excited to partner with the Rochester Knighthawks to support an anti-bullying program for our students,” said Cosgrove Middle School Principal Ned Dale. “Their message is consistent with the goals of our school and district to bring awareness to the important topic of bullying and reinforce with our students that bullying is not appropriate.”

Last season, the Knighthawks signed an anti-bullying pledge to kick off their 2012 season. The “We Got Your Back” program, which was founded by Hurricanes Lacrosse, was supported by the players and the entire staff. This season, the World Champions are taking the next step by bringing the anti-bullying message to local school children. Click here to see the "We Got Your Back Pledge."

White and Walters will return to Cosgrove on Thursday, November 1st to talk to students at 8:05 and 9:00 a.m. The partnership is just the first of many relationships the Knighthawks are looking to make in order to create a strong anti-bullying stance.

To learn more about the Knighthawks’ anti-bullying program, go to www.knighthawks.com/appearance-requests.