Varsity soccer players read to elementary students
Posted on 09/23/2021
(SPS) -- Sapulpa Chieftains varsity boys and girls soccer teams are going back to elementary school this fall. Kind of.

The teams alternate visits every Friday afternoon at Jefferson Heights Elementary.

Keeping busy during their off-season, the student-athletes stop in to nearly every classroom, from PreK through 5th grades. They read books to the younger students and help 3rd, 4th and 5th graders with their class work.

Even better, the younger kids get to go to recess with the players and kick around the soccer ball. Some of the best days include card tricks and dodgeball.

"They look forward to gym class with the kids -- they really have a blast with that," said girls head soccer coach Lori Arundell. "Previously we've gone to Holmes Park, but we changed it up this year."

Arundell and boys head coach Kenny Kinzer say it's not all just fun and games, but an opportunity for their players to mentor and inspire younger students. They say the Friday afternoon program is a way for the student-athletes to share the Sapulpa spirit of kindness.

Though the elementary school the soccer teams visit may change, the tradition of enrichment will remain the same. Both coaches plan to continue the reading program next year.