Motocross motivation-Group uses stunts to spread message

Brent Longenecker does a handstand on four folding chairs among the many stunts he performed yesterday. He also rode a 10-foot unicycle and walked upside down on stilts.

After a few positive words, Bennett wowed the crowd by jumping five people on a motorcycle, including Warren Academy director Diane Stanley.

The stunt was part of the performance delivered yesterday by Real Encounter, a Springfield, Mo.-based group that travels around the country to urge students to make a positive impact on their communities.

The group is visiting seven schools in the county, including two today, before giving a free performance at McMinnville Civic Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. Real Encounter was brought to Warren County, in part, by the Tennessee Baptist Convention.

During a performance for Warren Academy students yesterday outside First Baptist Church, Bennett showed his grace atop a motorcycle by riding wheelies and then coming to a screeching stop just inches before crashing into substitute teacher Doug Boyd.

Brent Longenecker showed his acrobatic skills by pedaling a 10-foot unicycle, balancing atop four folding chairs, and walking upside down on stilts.

Brett Moser displayed a variety of flashy skateboard tricks, including one where he balanced on the board with one hand.

But in between the high-flying maneuvers was a message aimed at inspiring students to become better citizens.

‘If you’re constantly putting garbage into yourself, whether it’s what you eat or what you watch, that’s exactly what’s going to come out,’ said Bennett, indicating teens are constantly absorbing negative images on TV, video games and the Internet.

Bennett talked about the obstacles motocross riders face during a race such as hills and jumps. He said the obstacles may change depending on the course, but no matter what road you take in life, there will always be some obstacles in your path.

‘Life is no different than a motocross race, and in life when you make bad choices, those choices become obstacles,’ said Bennett. ‘Are you making decisions that are taking you closer, or further away, from the place you want to be? Even one bad choice can follow you for your entire life.’

The show Real Encounter is performing at area schools is an abbreviated version of its full-length show that will be done tonight at the Civic Center.