Basketball Players Take the Court in a Holiday Tradition for a Special Audience

As most student-athletes can tell you, teamwork is just that — work. But it’s also rewarding.

That’s been the case for members of Rockhurst University’s men’s basketball team this year as they’ve continued a yearslong effort to foster relationships with third through sixth grade students at nearby Troost Elementary School. From helping them with their schoolwork to having impromptu arm wrestling competitions, the players build positive bonds with these younger students and encourage them as they grow.

On Friday, the Troost Elementary students returned the favor in what has become a tradition before the holiday break, sitting in the fan section for an early afternoon game in Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse for the Hawks’ 96-52 win over Avila University. Once again, it was a welcome sight to see — and hear — them in the crowd, said senior forward Nick Volz.

“Since I have been here, every game they come to ends up being some of the loudest because they are very energetic,” he said. “They might not know it, but they definitely help us play harder with the energy they bring.”

From visit to visit to Troost Elementary, the gameplan changes. Players might be helping students with math homework one day — which can require these college students to delve into their own past knowledge, Volz said — a physical activity the next, or, often, simply listening.

For senior guard Spencer Moes, going to Troost Elementary (members of the team go most Fridays) is always a treat. By giving their time for all those activities, they have built meaningful mutual relationships with students.

“They have showed us that they truly love us being in their presence, but they also want us to succeed in our lives as well,” he said. “It is a two-way relationship that I have loved every year. It’s almost as if we have taken them under our wings. I love that.”

One student in particular, Moes said, can’t help but have a huge smile every time the players enter the classroom, eager to tell Moes about what’s happening in his world and discuss his future plans as an entrepreneur.

“He wants to own his own company when he is older, so I just give him advice on how he can start this and giving him hope really gives him motivation,” he said.

Moes said he also looks forward to the annual game with the Troost Elementary students in attendance.

“When you hear your name yelled by the young kids in the crowd it just makes you want to fight harder for them,” he said.