It was standing room only for the Pursuing Victory With Honor seminar on August 16, 2005, as more than 500 people crowded into the Grants High School cafeteria.

Though attendance was mandatory for athletes and their parents at three local schools, the turnout still overwhelmed both Robert Zayes, spokesman for the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA), and Elmer Chavez, athletic director of the Grants/Cibola County District. "It is really great to see all of you folks here tonight," Mr. Zayes said.

People were still entering through the doors as the lights dimmed, the crowd grew quiet, and the NMAA started its video on PVWH.

It began with a brief segment from Gary Tripp, the executive director of the NMAA. Mr. Tripp outlined the three goals of the NMAA: 1) top-notch state tournaments; 2) fast feedback to coaches, administrators, parents and students; and 3) Pursuing Victory with Honor.

The video presentation explained PVWH and the Six Pillars in detail. It also showed clips of teams and individuals conducting themselves badly, and discussed them. "It all starts with the professional athletes. Almost every day, we see this poor behavior on the television," said Mr. Zayes. "And then the media feeds off if it, and this is what today's youth see."

The meeting lasted two hours, and the audience, according to the Cibola County Beacon, "remained focused on the message that was being delivered."