The above photo shows men's basketball student-athlete Marcus Capers reading with a student at Pullman's Sunnyside Elementary school as part of WSU Athletics Reading Buddies Program.

Twice a week, from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Sunnyside Elementary school students and his or her WSU student-athlete will read, and practice reading and writing skills. The program runs throughout the school year, with student-athletes committing for one semester at a time.

According to Kari Sampson, Coordinator of Career & Personal Development at WSU Athletics, the benefits the program offers to each elementary student and student-athlete include:

• Leadership and role modeling opportunity for student-athlete
• Higher reading proficiency for improved performance on mandated tests for elementary students
• Enjoyment and enthusiasm in reading for elementary students
• Opportunity to make a difference in the community and a child's life

To view more photos from the reading buddies program view this Gallery