COLUMBIA, Mo. - Central Methodist coach Jody Ford and seven student-athletes spent Tuesday at Midway Elementary School taking part in its annual Readathon.

"We had a great time with the elementary school children," Ford said. "As a father of two young girls, I understand the importance of spending time with children, especially when it involves reading and education. Our players got a kick out of the kids at Midway."

Ford, Alika Nonies-Lewis, Skyler Jameson, Wes Davis, Kenny Wells, Christian Bradley, Max Holmes and Taylor Paul spent an hour and a half reading books such as Where The Wild Things Are, Skippy Jon Jones and The Big Bones to children in kindergarten through third grade.

"Where the Wild Things Are is my book to read to the children at Midway each year," Ford said. "Dr. Seuss books are also very popular, not only with the children but also our players."