Every day this week we will celebrate one of our awesome Program Associates! Today we spotlight Anthony "Crunch Time" Hill.
Coach Anthony is a 2nd year AmeriCorps member, and ourProgram Associate at 3 partner schools: Pasteur, Morton, and Walsh. He is a sports fanatic and has always dreamed of being interviewed by sportscaster Craig Sag…er, known as "America’s Sideline Reporter." So it came as a surprise when the loudly dressed Sager showed up unannounced at a UI soccer game to interview Coach Anthony.
Craig Sager: Coach Anthony, you’re incredible. Where did you grow up?
Anthony: I grew up on the South Side of Chicago, Craig. Go Sox!!
Sager: What did playing sports mean to you growing up?
Anthony: Everything, Craig. It taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and it kept me out of trouble in my neighborhood, LBVS (laughing but very serious).
Sager: LBVS. Nice. My daughter uses that all the time. What’s your most memorable experience with an Urban Initiatives participant, Coach?
Anthony: Hmm.. oh, I know! I was at Pasteur and one of the kids told me how much I remind him of his brother; and how he looks forward to seeing me at every practice. That conversation almost brought a tear to my eye, man. For real.
Sager: (Tearing up) I feel ya, Coach. Why have you liked working with Urban Initiatives?
Anthony: Well, I would have to say that working with UI has been very rewarding because I have yet to experience a stressful day. I’m always pumped, especially after a practice, to come back to the office. I also appreciate the work culture and the amount of support UI receives outside of the office through events like the Halloween Party and Soccer Ball. Looking forward, I hope to work for another company with the same energy.
Sager: You’re a man of mystery. Tell me something that not many people know about you.
Anthony: Well, Craig, I dream of one day being a voice over artist (movie trailer voice). I’ve already reached out to some voice artists to help me out.
Sager: Well, there you have it folks. The man, the myth, the legend – Anthony Crunch Time Hill… coming to a theater near you.