Wednesday, March 4, 2015

BILLINGS, Mont. - A few GNAC teams participating in the conference tournament this week are doing more than just playing basketball.

Five teams were able to participate in a community engagement activity this week, set up by tournament host Montana State Billings, before taking part in a game. These teams went to local elementary schools in the Billings Public School District to talk about education and how to become a collegiate-athlete.

The Central Washington men’s basketball team, a three-seed in the tournament, was one of five GNAC squads participating in this service. The Wildcats basketball team spent the day with second graders at Highland Elementary. 

Players had a chance to engage and talk with the students at Highland, located just a few minutes away from the site of the basketball championships. Some players, like A.J. Maxwell (pictured right), read to students while others partook in their P.E. class.

“I think it’s an excellent idea from Montana State Billings and we’re more than happy to do it,” Central Washington men’s coach Greg Sparling said.

Other schools such as McKinley Elementary and Rose Park Elementary also received visits from a few GNAC teams.

The participating student-athletes had an opportunity to go out and impact a Billings community that has welcomed them to their city at a time where some are playing the most important basketball games of their lives.

“The big thing is that our kids like giving back," Sparling said. "They’ve had mentors throughout their career. They remember when high school and college players came and talked to them when they were in elementary school. I think it’s a great opportunity for our guys to give back to the kids in the Billings community.”

The men’s and women’s GNAC championships will be held Wednesday through Saturday at Alterowitz Gym on the campus of Montana State Billings.