FORMER GRIZZLY BASKETBALL player Tommie Mabry, right, spoke to many students, faculty, staff and community members Oct. 20 at Missouri State University-West Plains about his upbringing in Jackson, Miss., and how he turned his difficult and tumultuous years as a youth into a positive through basketball and education. Mabry played for the Grizzlies during the 2007-08 season and eventually obtained his bachelor’s degree in education at Tougaloo College in his hometown. He is now an admission counselor there. Mabry, a published author, also travels the country as a motivational speaker, encouraging those who attend his presentations to pursue their dreams. Following his two presentations on campus, he visited with students, answering questions and offering copies of his book A Dark Journey to a Light Future. Above, he talks with students, from left, Otha Bell, St. Louis; Malik James, Boston, Mass.; Kayla Noakes, Waynesville; and Alex Pyles, Strafford. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)
Former Grizzly shares his story of success with students