MAYFIELD, KY - For Mid-Continent University men’s basketball coach Winston Bennett, his dreams of success at both the University of Kentucky and in the National Basketball Association started young. Now, Bennett is using his position as a coach to help foster dreams in the next generation of youth in the western Kentucky area.

“When I was a kid, my dad and I would be watching Kentucky or Louisville on television,” Bennett explained, “and he would ask me ‘Can you see it? Can you see yourself having success at that level?’ That is the same question I am asking these kids, because I know that visualizing that success helped me to achieve it.”

Bennett is taking that message to several different groups around the area, beginning at Lone Oak Elementary School. On Monday, however, that message will be brought to a group of 21 kids right here in Mayfield at the Cougar Center on Mid-Continent’s campus. The group is a part of Washington Street Baptist Church’s mentoring program, which is designed to help young people gain confidence and learn that they can accomplish anything if they work at it.

“It’s going to be a good time for these kids,” noted the Church’s pastor, Reverend Ray Henderson. “It is never too early to instill to them the benefits of going to college. We are looking forward to it and they are as well.

The students will spend some time on Mid-Continent’s campus as a part of the day. They will receive a tour of the campus, play games, and eat lunch in addition to hearing both Bennett and Mid-Continent campus pastor Justin Carrico speak.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to help these young people see their dreams,” Bennett remarked. “I hope they hear this message, combine their God-given talents with hard work and determination, and pursue those dreams with passion.”