July 15, 2011
By Megan Mabry and Bernice Woodard
Media Relations Student Assistants
On Friday, July 15, Richland County Public Library hosted Pigskin Poets for the 14th year. The popular event featured several first-year members of the University of South Carolina football team, as well as some returning student-athletes who look forward to appearing at the event annually.
“This is my fourth year doing it. Each time it’s very special. There were a lot more kids (today) than there have been in the past. This was the most I’ve seen since I’ve been coming out here. It’s a lot of fun,” said senior offensive guard, Terrence Campbell.
The goal of the event is to feed off community excitement and support of the Gamecock football team to emphasize the importance of reading to local children. It is the marquee event of the library’s Summer Reading Challenge.
“(The players) don’t realize the impact, I think. We see the kids everyday, and we know the impact that it makes when the kids see these players come in, read, wear the medals, and have a good time with books,” said Richland County children’s librarian, Heather McCue.
McCue has been involved in the event for eight years, but had the opportunity to partake in a Pigskin Poets tradition for the first time this year as she read the opening story, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr, John Archambault and Lois Ehlert.
The players entered to “2001” and read stories including: Fortunately by Remy Charlip and Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka to a group of close to 400 children. Once the program was over the players signed autographs and posed for photos with all in attendance for over an hour.
Hayden Bass was attending Pigskin Poets for the first time. The four-year-old arrived in full football uniform, including a helmet, shoulder pads, and a Gamecock jersey.
“He thinks that they are just awesome. He loves everything about the Gamecocks. He wants to play for the Gamecocks. He loves Cocky he has had a really, really good time here today,” said his mother.
The players in attendance today were all proud to have been a part of Pigskin Poets. They appreciated the ability to reach out to the children and encourage them to read.
“(The biggest reward is) being in the position that I’m in and being able to have kids look up to me. I want to come out and read to the kids and give back to the community. South Carolina has done so much for me,” said Campbell.
