When Antrel Rolle attended South Dade High in the late 1990s, the 50-year-old school's weight room wasn't just out of date, it was falling apart.

``The weights were old and rusty and there were holes in the benches,'' said Rolle, a former NFL first-round draft pick out of the University of Miami and a defensive back with the Arizona Cardinals.

On Tuesday, The Rolle Room -- South Dade High's improved weight room -- officially was renamed in the 26-year-old's honor after he donated $30,000 to help renovate it.

With the help of his parents, Armelia (a Homestead High career counselor) and Al (Homestead's police chief), Rolle cut the ribbons to celebrate the act. ``I think it's a great motivator,'' he said. ``When they come in and see fresh new weights and those pictures of me up there as someone to inspire them, maybe that will help them to keep their eyes on their prize as far as where they want to go.''

Rolle has been busy giving back to his hometown. He just hasn't publicized it.

Southridge athletic director Harvey Clayton Sr. got $4,000 for the school's new football jerseys from his nephew. Rolle's foundation gave three South Dade High seniors and six Homestead High seniors $2,500 scholarships. In Florida City, he also helped 140 kids by sponsoring their RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) team.

Rolle, who still lives close to South Dade High, said he has spent the summer working out at UM and mentoring players. He said he wants to see UM play with more swagger.

``When I was there, we were going to get that ball, we were fighting to get that ball,'' Rolle said. ``. . . I just feel like they have to go back to that same mentality.''

-- MANNY NAVARRO

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