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"When I first met head coach Joe Bates, he talked at length about how important sports are for his community in Oakland, California. Bates emphasized how he uses football as a central tool for youth development and a path for his players to achieve higher education and escape the systemic conditions and potentially violent threats surrounding them with inner-city influences."- KQED Article
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"What's up coach, first I want to thank you for everything you done for me and the team without you we would be a bunch of nobody's. I also want to thank you for everything you've done as far as recruitment goes, I know it was hard for me to get noticed because of my grades but you made it happen. Finally I want to let you know I've received a $9,000 scholarship offer from Bethany college." - Mentee
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"Coach I got accepted into NYU, the school you wrote the letter of Rec to way back. I just wanted to say thank you for writing that it meant a lot, Titan family forever it's beyond just on the field. Hope you and the family have been well and happy holidays." - Mentee
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"Honestly, we can't thank you enough for all of the positive change we've seen in Jason since you returned. We're happy to continue to support the titan family and other partnership's that encourage and provide leadership, volunteer and character building opportunities for these amazing young athletes. Just disappointed that their senior year has been affected by this pandemic so drastically. Yet we're hopeful for things to return to normal as soon as possible."- Mentee Parent
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"My son's first college tour. He's never called me so much. He said he's excited ! The young men got a head start Thanks to Coach Bates!!!! I am so proud of all of the boys. Not only did Coach Bates take all his seniors but he invited my son along for the college experience . That's love right there! I can't wait for the season to start!!!" -Mentee Parent
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"Joe Bates sought to impact every single kid’s life in a positive manner. He sought to change lives. Show them a brighter future. Reshape their careers. Their goals. Let them know they could do something great. Something the entire city of Oakland and their families would be proud of." - West Coast Preps
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