Former college football star inspires Sioux City students to fol - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

As another school year gets underway, it's important to remind students about staying focused.

Former Ohio State football player Joel Penton, pumped up nearly 1,200 students at West High in Sioux City, with his message for students to make plans and stick with them.

"When I put on this ring, what I think about, is how grateful I am, not just that I made a commitment and set up everything, but how grateful I am that I kept that commitment," Joel Penton said.

And like these students, Penton says he faced temptations to drink and party, but knew both were bad choices.

"And before I knew it I was the only one in the group, not going out on the weekends, getting drunk," Joel Penton said.

He says his decision to stand his ground, lost him friends, but in the end, helped him focus. However, he couldn't have done it alone, and that's why he wants to help others.

"There were many people who impacted me when I was a student, and I want to impact others in a positive way," Joel Penton said.

Students we spoke with say they connected with his message.

"He's not just someone who's saying something that he's never been through, he's had experiences, just like us in high school," Colby Hill, a 10th grader at West High said.

"I think it kind of just makes me feel really motivated to stick to my goals, and just do anything possible to stay on that track," Sara Desy, a senior at West High said.

West High Principal, Jacque Wyant tells us she liked the speech, and hopes students will keep the lessons they learned with them throughout the year.

Penton will also share his story with students at North High Wednesday morning.