The Malone University Athletic Department has partnered with the Beyond The Game organization and Mason Leadership School in Canton to promote the importance of reading and literacy to local elementary school students.

The Pioneer football team, along with several other Malone athletic programs, have been making weekly visits to Mason Leadership School.  During their visits, the male and female student-athletes read to the children at the school, play games and give talks about their experience as a college student and athlete.

"We are so fortunate to partner with Malone University student-athletes," commented Renee Brown, Mason Leadership School Principal.  "The interaction between the student-athletes and our 3rd-5th grade student is positive, motivating and encouraging.  The smiles on my students' faces when the players walk through the door is priceless.  This program goes beyond the aspect of promoting literacy.  It builds a sense of community, encourages our students to aspire to college and career readiness, and it is a big WIN-WIN for all!"

Pioneer football head coach Fred Thomas is also thrilled to see members of his team taking part in the initiative.

"It is a great thing for our players to be role models to kids in our community," said Thomas.  "We have to help stress the importance of education as often as we can."



During the visits, each Malone student-athlete will pick a Mason student in their class that is showing great leadership skills by being respectful, responsible and safe.  The student will receive a Beyond The Game backpack full of mini books to read, school supplies and prizes from local stores and restaurants.

"It's always great to see student-athletes give back to their communities in any way," noted Devin Jordan, President of Beyond The Game and the Malone football team's passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach.  "It was something that was instilled in myself when I was at Ohio State University playing for Jim Tressel. We would go once a week into the community to do different types of outreach. This is what Beyond The Game is about. Teaching athletes to use their platform to make a difference in the lives of others. We are excited about this opportunity to help instill the importance of literacy in today's youth, and we look to continue to do more for our community in the future."

NCAA Division II recently featured the literacy partnership on its social media platforms as part of its "Make It Yours" campaign, encouraging student-athletes to give back to their communities.

Malone, Beyond The Game and Mason Leadership School plan to continue the weekly visits throughout the 2018-19 academic year.