Ethan Randolph, Rend Lake, Reads With Kids in Winfield, Kansas

WINFIELD, KS (09/26/2011)(readMedia)-- The Southwestern College men's basketball team took a break from their hectic preseason schedule to give back to kids in the local community. The entire team and its coaching staff traveled to Irving Elementary in Winfield, Kan., to take part in the NABC Reading Program.

The NABC Reading Program is an annual national literacy program sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Players and coaches from the NCAA, NAIA, and Junior College visit selected elementary schools in their area to promote the importance of reading and education to the elementary aged kids. This program also allows collegiate basketball players to serve as role models to the youth of their local community.

Irving principal Jeff Everett and Southwestern College head men's basketball coach Matt O'Brien worked tirelessly on making this service project a reality.

"We have been working on this for a couple of months and it was an exciting day to see this event come to fruition," said O'Brien. "Our seniors stepped up and their leadership made this event a success. Our mission is clearly stated by our college president (W. Richard Merriman, Jr.) and it is my hope that each of our players leaves our program with a heart to serve others."

Southwestern seniors Ethan Randolph, Rend Lake; Jared Irvin, Ulysses, Kan.; Chris Nelson, Wichita; RJ Jarrett, Kansas City, Kan.; and James Davis, Oklahoma City, all were very appreciative of the opportunity to help the community youth when asked about the experience afterwards.

"It was a great experience, the community supports us and I feel like this is a great way to show how thankful we are for all the support we receive," said Randolph.

"I have always enjoyed helping kids out. When it comes to reading to them or just hanging out and having a good time," added Irvin.

"I thought it was a great learning experience for our team," concluded Nelson.

"I would love to go back and help the kids with their reading," added Jarrett.

"Taking the time out of my day to read to children is worth it because I know that I made a difference in somebody's life today," remarked James Davis.

Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About 1,800 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at five professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.