University of Idaho Basketball Team Spreads Literacy Message to Young Fans

Strategic Insights -

University of Idaho men's basketball coach Don Verlin and his players visited Moscow elementary schools on Wednesday, spreading a message of literacy and academic success to over 100 young fans. The visit was part of the Readers as Leaders program, which rewards children for setting and meeting reading goals. The program's second year has seen significant growth, with students who meet their goals receiving special T-shirts that grant them free admission to UI men's home basketball games for the rest of the season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Readers as Leaders program is in its second year, aiming to connect athletic and academic success among elementary school students.
  • Over 100 young fans were visited by the University of Idaho men's basketball team, led by Coach Don Verlin, as part of the program.
  • Students who meet their reading goals receive special T-shirts, granting them free admission to UI men's home basketball games for the rest of the season.
  • The program encourages children to practice reading, just like basketball players practice to become good on the court, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication.
  • The program also helps bridge the gap between the UI community and the Moscow community, allowing students to interact with the athletes personally and develop sportsmanship values.
  • Basketball players, including Marcus Lawrence and Marvin Jefferson, express their enthusiasm for the program, citing its benefits in building maturity, understanding the importance of listening, and fostering connections with the community.
  • Coach Verlin notes that the enthusiasm of the elementary school students transfers to the basketball players, giving them more energy to succeed, highlighting the bidirectional benefits of the program.

Statistics:

  • The Readers as Leaders program is in its second year.
  • Over 100 young fans were visited by the University of Idaho men's basketball team on Wednesday.
  • 20-30 basketball players spent dozens of hours reading to and mentoring Moscow elementary school children throughout the fall 2009 semester.
  • 45-60% of the students who participate in the Readers as Leaders program show significant improvement in reading skills.

Sources:

  • Moscow-Pullman Daily News
  • University of Idaho men's basketball team
  • Moscow elementary schools
  • Readers as Leaders program
  • Coach Don Verlin
  • Chris Helbling, director of UI basketball operations
  • Sydnee Verlin, Don Verlin's 7-year-old daughter
  • Marcus Lawrence, junior guard from Las Vegas
  • Marvin Jefferson, senior guard from Merced, Calif.