Clay Central/Everly Elementary students were recently treated to a visit from famous author and former Iowa State football player, Coach Sloth.

As a child growing up in the Dike and Belmond areas, it was very apparent to Coach (Ryan) Sloth that his greatest desire was to play football. Sloth played as starting cornerback for ISU, helping to lead the Cyclones to a victory in the 2000 Insight Bowl.

Sloth transitioned from a Cyclone to an Iowa Barnstormer, both as a player and coach. He spent 10 seasons with the team and coached for five other arena squads as well.

Sloth's versatility does not solely go from student to coach; however, it extends into the world of cinema. He played a football player in five motion-picture movies including We Are Marshall, Leatherheads, Touchback, Amazing Spiderman and The Dark Knight Rises.

After several careers and having children of his own, Sloth decided to put his knowledge and stature to good use by becoming a children's book author. He covers topics like magic, anti-bullying, sports, fishing and much more. His strong anti-bullying message has transformed his literature into a cross-country tour of public schools.

Sloth engaged the CC/E audience with a funny and topic-serious presentation, utilizing student and staff volunteers, costumed guests and a life-size Coach Sloth mascot to help reenact his stories. The reenactments helped develop the stories in real time and allow the children to dive deeper into the moral topics presented within them. Sloth also used his time in front of the students to educate on the extensive process of writing a book, becoming an author yourself, the value of hard work, and the power and importance of reading.

Following the presentation, CC/E students and staff were allowed to purchase Coach Sloth books and have them personally autographed by the author.