SELMA — Anthony Grant gave the gift of his knowledge to Selma athletes and took a gift from Selma home with him: the Key to the City.

Grant, the men’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama, gave a message about the value of education, importance of relationships, power of self-confidence and the need for attainable goals during the Selma City Schools’ athletic banquet.

“How can you accomplish a goal you don’t have?” Grant asked the athletes in attendance Tuesday at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center. “You have to have smart goals that are measurable, attainable, realistic and tangible.”

Grant compared reaching goals with climbing a mountain. Once at the top, the view should inspire your next achievement.

“You have to come down off the mountain and go through the valley again,” Grant said. “You must be able to handle adversity. Dream as far as you can see. Once you get there, then you see there is more you can do. There is greatness inside of you and you can tap into it if you just believe it.”

After speaking, Selma Mayor George Evans gave Grant the Key to the City for his “strong commitment to the excellence of student-athletes.”

“He is a great role model to his players and to all of you,” Evans said to the high schoolers, adding that he expects Grant’s work ethic and determination to lead the Crimson Tide to a championship.

Awards were presented to Selma High School and Selma Middle School players in 17 categories as well as several members of the community, who were recognized for their contributions throughout the school year.

“We’re here to celebrate our accomplishments,” Selma High School athletic director Patrick Evans said. “We want to recognize everyone for a job well done, but none of us got here without teamwork.”