On Wednesday, March 1, members of the Barclay College men’s basketball team took part in an annual reading initiative with Haviland Grade School. Seniors Cole Hibler (Ponca City, Okla.) and Tommy Leach (Derby, Kans.), along with head coach Royce Bryan, read to a combined group of Kindergarten and First Grade students.

First grader Cadie Follette said, “I loved having the basketball boys read and they did a good job and I can’t wait until next year so they can come to the 2nd Grade!”

First grader instructor Joyce Bryan also commented,”I always enjoy having the college basketball players come and read to them. It is a great way to get the college involved with grade school students.”

The reading initiative is an opportunity for the men’s basketball team to encourage youth to read and to foster a healthy relationship between Barclay College and Haviland Grade School. This is the seventh year Royce Bryan has taken members of his team to read at the local grade school.

“I always love the opportunity to connect with the local youth,” said Royce Bryan. “Encouraging them to read goes well beyond the school years and hopefully becomes a life-long activity that they love.”