About 13 team members participated in Literacy Day, the first event of Children's Rights Week, co-sponsored by the Campus Y's youth outreach committee and Project Literacy.
From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., several players, including senior linebacker David Thornton, senior defensive tackle Anthony Perkins, sophomore wide receiver Brandon Russell and freshman offensive lineman Jason Brown, took turns reading to elementary school students in the Pit.
Kindergarten through fourth-grade students from Mary Scroggs Elementary School's after-school program were excited to spend the afternoon with some of their favorite players, organizers said.
"The kids were ecstatic because they look up to these guys," said Tricia Thompson, director of the after-school program. "I think the football players had just as much fun as they did."
Russell said he was happy to take part in the event. "You always get a good feeling when you read to kids," he said. "You can tell they look up to you, so any chance we get to work with them is always a good experience."
After the players read some of the kids' favorite books, by authors like Dr. Seuss, students got the chance to get autographs and take pictures with the athletes. "The football players were great," Thompson said. "They let the kids sit on their laps and get their autographs. They were wonderful."
Perkins, who read books such as "Curious George Gets a Medal," said he saw his involvement as beneficial to himself and to the children.
"As a student athlete, it is important to be involved in the community," Perkins said. "The kids really enjoyed it, and I was able to take my mind away from school and sports for a little bit."
Along with reading, the football players also played football and kickball games in Polk Place with the children.
