Zaimir Hawk Said the One Thing Every Kid Needs, And It’s Changing Lives in Des Moines

Alright Seattle fam, listen up. Even though our Hawks and M’s are battling it out here, sometimes you gotta tip your cap to awesome stuff happening elsewhere in the sports world. And what went down Monday in Des Moines, Iowa, at Carver Elementary School? Pure gold. We’re talking Iowa State football players, led by a dude named Zaimir Hawk, turning a gym into a mentorship field, teaching drills and straight up building relationships with kids at the Boys & Girls Club. This wasn't just some photo op, this was real, impactful work, supported by T-Mobile, and it’s the kind of passion we love to see in any city.

From Club Kid to Role Model: Zaimir Hawk’s Powerful Return

This whole event, held at the Ellis I. Levitt Club, wasn't just about throwing a football around. Kim Peter, the Corporate and Donor Engagement Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, laid it out, saying "Healthy Lifestyles and Character and Leadership are two of our core pillars." They had seven stations, giving kids the chance to practice skills and interact with athletes who are genuinely role models. But the real kicker? Redshirt junior defensive lineman Zaimir Hawk wasn't just there to coach. He was a former Boys & Girls Club member himself! How cool is that? He said it meant a lot to be part of something he always wanted when he was younger. Hawk got real, talking about how the club put him outside his comfort zone, even getting him outdoors and camping for the first time

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. He believes "that’s what a lot of kids need nowadays is to be put out of their comfort zone to be able to know what they’re capable of because that’s what every human needs especially at a young age." Seriously, that’s powerful stuff. He saw major potential in those kids doing D-line drills, watching them go from confused to "Ah OK I get it." He even joked, "We need to recruit at the Boys & Girls Club!" You gotta love that energy.

Building the Future, One Drill at a Time

It wasn't just Hawk spreading the good vibes. Several transfer players were out there too, including Jaylen Raynor from Arkansas State, Braden Smith from Tarleton State, Tristan Exlin from UT Permian Basin, Evan Boyd from Michigan State, and Trevor Fortenberry from Copiah-Lincoln CC. Their involvement made an impact on 60 young participants, probably turning them all into the newest Cyclone fans. Jaylen Raynor summed it up perfectly: "It’s a lot of fun to come out here, get involved with the community with some of my teammates just to have some fun and get some kids active and moving around." He talked about pouring into the community because the fans pour so much into them every Saturday. He called them "super passionate," "loving," and "consistent," always showing up. He’s already hyped for playing in front of them at Jack Trice this fall, especially for the "Juicy Wiggle." Man, that’s dedication! Right now, they’re just focused on improving daily and stacking those days to be ready for the season. We’re all about that grind, no matter the sport or the city. You love to see it!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.