WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the 180 Men's Task Force, put on its annual 'Coaching Boys into Men' program in the Multipurpose Activity Center on campus on Tuesday morning.

"Athletics is much more than the X's and O's of the next play, it is about respect for your teammate, your opponents, your coaches and the officials," said Monmouth University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil.  "The more we learn to respect each other, the more we will empower ourselves to be the best we can be, everyday, on and off the field of competition."

The program features Monmouth University student-athletes and coaches interacting with local high school students, coaches and administrators in an open forum format on topics such as respect, sportsmanship, image and legacy. Over 20 high schools from Monmouth and Ocean County sent representatives to the program.

180, Turning Lives Around ,is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence in the local community. 180 has served 300,000 individuals and families for 30 years with a caring staff that provides immediate and long term support in assisting clients with the trauma they have experienced, while supporting them in obtaining services and making decisions that will turn their lives around.