‘The greatest thing ever’

Students at The Goddard School in Beavercreek got a rare chance to exercise, dribble and pass basketballs with the Wright State University men’s basketball team.

On July 25, the players visited the school, where they led basketball drills and exercises for nearly 100 students.

“Maybe they’ll remember or maybe they’ll just think we are some big giants,” said Tanner Holden, a graduate student and guard on the men’s basketball team.

The children learned about teamwork before the Raiders’ arrival. The students wore their favorite professional or college team jerseys to celebrate the visit.

“This was the greatest thing ever,” said Clayton Goff, age 4, who wore a Wright State basketball jersey.

Staff at the school said the basketball players made an impact on the students, giving them something to remember for a long time.

“For weeks, they’re going to be talking about it,” said teacher Brooklynn Keller. “This is definitely one of their highlights of the summer.”

Nick Goff, director of basketball operations, said it is important for the team to be involved in the community, and the visit is just as impactful on the players as the schoolchildren.

“We are so thankful for The Goddard School for allowing our team to hang out with the little ones, and we cannot wait to see them cheer for us this upcoming season at Wright State,” said Goff.