Clarksville, Ark.-Six student-athletes from the University of the Ozarks, all a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), visited and interacted with elementary school students at an afterschool program affiliated with Johnson County Westside in Hartman January 30.

The U of O student-athletes were there to emphasize the importance of a college education and to inspire the students to study hard so that they could succeed in their future profession. The U of O student-athletes spoke to three different groups that day and were able to answer a variety of questions regarding their collegiate experience.
The U of O student-athletes also received a lot in return from the visit. For all of the athletes that day was a "first". The first time each of the them were asked for an autograph. Many of the Westside students lined up for signatures following the presentation.

According to U of O cross country runner Max Hilgendorf, the SAAC members weren't sure what to expect when they headed to Hartman, but it didn't take long for them to realize that it was a big deal for the kids they visited. 

"We were all shocked at the ambitions and aspirations of these kids," said Hilgendorf, a senior from Fort Smith. "We asked each of them what they wanted to do later in life, and we received the usual answers of being professional athletes. But some of the students had aspirations of being archeologists, marine biologists and paleontologists.  It was really cool to see such ambition in kids their age."

Nola Newton is the 21st CCLC Site Coordinator of the afterschool programs at Westside. The services provided by the out-of-school hour's program at Westside include opportunities for academic enrichment, youth development, physical activity and an evening meal.

By Kara Willbanks, Sports Information Intern