Props: NewsItem.com

Quoteworthy:

"The athletes were brought to the area through the efforts of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and his cousin, Mark Gross, a Coal Township native who now lives in North Carolina.... The athletes also will address students at Shamokin Area Middle/High School at 1 p.m. Thursday, and will participate in a special ceremony that will honor them as "honorary police officers" at the Coal Township Board of Commissioners meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday. After the meeting, the trio will head to Brewser's SportsGrille to continue spreading their message of eradicating drugs through education, hard work and setting an example for others.... Gembic said Shamokin Area Middle/High School Principal Chris Venna and other school district officials agreed to host the athletes' appearance at the school on Thursday afternoon. He also commended Coal Township commissioners and Coal Township police for taking an aggressive stance against illegal drug use in the area and for agreeing to grant Cook, Fitch and Koscheck "honorary police officer" status for their achievements and dedication in eradicating drugs through education."

The American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) trio has already returned to the San Jose, Calif., area to begin training for two big upcoming fights ... stinking badges and all.