Clarksville, Ark.- The University of the Ozarks baseball team recently completed another semester of helping school-aged children start their day at the Clarksville Primary School. 

For the past four years, the players within the U of O baseball program have opened car doors and greet children as they arrive for school. Under the direction of head coach Aaron Gentry, three or four players provide the service from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. four mornings a week. The entire team recently wrapped up this year's service with a book give-away at the school.

"It makes me extremely proud to watch our baseball team open car doors and greet young children as they come to school," said Gentry. "I appreciate the Clarksville Primary School for allowing us to come out and serve in this way for almost the entire fall semester. The staff and faculty there are always so appreciative of us and make us feel right at home."

"The U of O baseball team has made a difference in opening car rider doors each morning," said Tricia Meek, Volunteer Coordinator for Clarksville Primary School. "The team was so excited, giving high fives and their smiles made our students' day. Their positive attitude toward our students was a bright start to their day."

Senior pitcher Easton Rose has been a part of the early morning service for the past two years.

"I feel like we made an impact on the kids by helping them get a good start to their day," said Rose. "It may not have been a big deal to us, but we saw a lot of big smiles as they started school."

The service has not only impacted local kids, but the U of O players as well. 

"For us, it is a great way to start the day, especially knowing it could have a positive impact on a child's life," said Gentry. "I know it makes a positive impact in my life and the lives of our players. It's hard to leave there without a big smile on your face."