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NFL scout in town to talk to families

Event will be held at Dupuis Rec Center tomorrow
Posted at 5:24 PM, Aug 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-19 23:35:38-04
Cowboy's Scout in Town

The Dallas Cowboy's DIrector of Scouting will speak to local families tomorrow at the Dupuis Rec Center.

Lionel Vital is in town to talk to parents and children about the importance of discipline, behavior and parental involvement.

"I hope to get in there tomorrow and really get the kids engage, and I want to fill the audience," Vital told us today. "I'm going to have a little question and answer session after speaking, because I want to hear what they're saying. It won't do any good for me to just come here and tell them what to do."

Vital, who is a Loreauville native, says he's been there.

"I was in that seat once, and now I get a chance to come back and talk about it," he said. "I came from the exact same situation that I'm going to be meeting tomorrow. Young kids coming from tough areas. With not the most backing, the most support. As a youngster, you're asking "how can I get out of this?" I was in that same seat. I was always looking for answers."

Vital said he wants the auditorium full of kids who want to ask questions, and parents or family who want to help them succeed.

"It's all about the kids, primarly the kids. I want to have a bunch of kids in there who are crying for help, reaching out to get help. Looking for ways to get out, to make it," he said. "Kids willing to ask questions. I want parents in there who care about their kids, who are looking for ways to help their kids. Who are trying to find a way to make their kids better. That's what I want. I want people there who want to enhance their situation."

Vital said he hopes when folks leave, they will feel like they learned something.

"'ve learned a lot, and I want to give that back," he said.

Vital is a former American Football running back for the Washington Redskins and the Canadian Football League for the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played College Football at Nicholls State University.

FREE snacks and drinks will be provided by Super One Foods on Willow Street at the event. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at the center, which is located at 1212 E Pont Des Mouton Road in Lafayette.

For more information contact: Connie Trent @ 337-291-8362; Bill Verret @ 337-291-8368 or Danny Cook @ 337-291-8380