ORANGEBURG, S.C. – As a forward/center on the South Carolina State University men's basketball team, Justin Wilson is in his comfort zone when he's on the court.
He recently stepped out of that zone and into a primary school classroom, reading to young students at Felton Laboratory Charter School, which sits on the university's campus.
"It's amazing, From on the court to off the court, it's something very different," Wilson said. "I'm out of my comfort zone, but I am embracing it and staying positive.
"I didn't really have anybody come read to me when I was a kid, so I'm glad to do this for these kids," he said.
The 21-year-old transfer student is a junior majoring in family and consumer sciences. He was excited about taking on a community service role.
"I love it," Wilson said. "Everybody needs some type of support beyond their teachers and their classmates."
Bulldog basketball season is just days away for both the men's team and the women's team. SC State will kick off the season with Bulldog Madness on Monday, Oct. 31. Beginning at 7 p.m., the free event in Smith Hammond Middleton Memorial Center will introduce this year's student athletes and coaching staff to the campus and the Orangeburg community.
Meanwhile, head men's basketball Coach Erik Martin has worked to instill a sense of community responsibility and citizenship in his players. Last week, the team made its third visit to Felton. Martin and his assistant coaches pitched in at the school, as well. Martin read a book about staying safe in public to Felton kindergartners before giving out books for the students to take home.
Eric King, Felton's school counselor for grades K-4, described the benefit of having the players visit the school's classrooms.
"These kids are amazing, and they get excited whenever these players come in," King said. "First, they get so excited because they've never seen so many guys so tall.
I love how the team emphasizes that you have to get your education to become a basketball player to even go to college.
"So, coming here and giving to our school by mentoring and reading to the children is a phenomenal thing. Our administrators, our faculty and staff – everybody here gets excited when they see this basketball team and what they are doing for our children," King said.
About South Carolina State University: Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers' college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
