JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Prior to gearing up for next month’s season opener, the ETSU baseball team spent time visiting second-graders at Lake Ridge Elementary on Friday, Jan. 16.

During their visit, the Bucs spent time reading to the second-graders, playing games and signing autographs. The team also talked about the importance of doing well in school and putting in hard work.

“We were so excited to have coach (Tony) Skole’s players visit our class,” said Janna Counts, a second-grade teacher at Lake Ridge Elementary. “The class loved hanging out with the players and I had to pull the children off the guys as they were leaving. The team was very respectful and we were delighted for their visit.”

Skole was also glad his team could visit the school and hang out with the children for a few hours.

“We had a great time during our visit at Lake Ridge Elementary,” Skole said. “Our players and our program are always excited when we get the opportunity to spend time with the youngsters in our community.  It was a great event and we appreciate the hospitality that the faculty, administration and students at Lake Ridge showed us.”

ETSU opens the 2015 campaign on Feb. 13 when the Bucs host Eastern Kentucky at Thomas Stadium.

The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics takes pride in its community service activities and strives for 100 percent participation from its student-athletes, coaches and administrators throughout the year.