AURORA | Peyton Manning visited Gateway High School Tuesday and showed off arm and his speaking skills.
The Denver Broncos quarterback addressed a mostly surprised group of juniors and seniors in an assembly, answered questions and doled out autographs to a few lucky students who caught passes from him in the stands.
Gateway principal Bill Hedges was grateful for Manning’s visit, another positive event for the students and staff of a school still affected deeply by the shooting at the Century Aurora movie theater last summer.
“Anything like this just helps kids have something positive to think about,” Hedges said. “I spent a lot of time watching the kids’ faces and they were really into it and appreciative.
“I don’t think some of them made the connection that he was here because of what happened, but some of their needs were met.”
Manning, speaking as an outreach of his Peyback Foundation, answered questions from a select number of students, tossed footballs to four students — who got autographed hats if they caught the ball — and posed for pictures with Hedges and others.
Hedges also presented Manning with a No. 18 Gateway football jersey.
“Having Peyton Manning come to the Gateway community was a great surprise; not only did his visit seem sincere, but it was healing,” junior Sara Cardona said. “Even if Gateway’s community hadn’t experienced the tragedy of 7/20, his visit would have still been heartfelt. We, Gateway High School, are very thankful to have Manning come and share his road to success to inspire us to follow that same road.”
Gateway had another surprise from the local professional sports scene last October, when the Denver Nuggets ran through a full scrimmage at the school’s gym.
“Just like the Nuggets coming out, this is just another great example of the community supporting us,” Hedges said.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
