Jan. 24, 2011

RUSTON - Members of the Louisiana Tech golf team took time last Thursday to go to the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Louisiana and participated in the KIDZLIT program by reading to area youngsters.

Head golf coach Jeff Parks said that although it was the first time that his team had worked with the area organization, it wouldn't be the last.

"We really want go get our in the community more," Parks said. "This was a great way for our guys to give back and show their appreciation for the local communities support. We have great guys on this team and every one of them was eager to participate. This is just the start of our guys getting more involved."

Parks said that his players read to three different groups of youngsters which was followed by questions about the story and then a question and answer session with his players about golf.

"The 10-year-old group asked for autographs thinking these guys were celebrities," Parks said. "My guys aren't used to signing autographs. Some of the kids even asked that they put their jersey numbers by their autograph. It was pretty funny but a lot of fun.

"I text all of my guys afterwards to thank them, and a number of them text back saying how much fun they had doing it. The kids really enjoyed hearing Jonathan Bale and Sam Forgan talk because of their foreign accents. They both got maps out and showed the kids where they were from and how far away it was from Louisiana Tech. So we had a little geography lesson as well."

Parks and the Bulldogs will open their 2011 spring season Feb. 19 when they travel to Houston to compete in the Rice Invitational.

Tech will host the Bulldog Classic March 13-15 at Squire Creek Country Club. Individuals wishing to sign up to play in the College-AM on Saturday, March 12 can contact Parks at 318-245-8211. Cost of the event is $200 per golf as one college player will be teamed up with two-man best ball teams. Entry fee also includes dinner at Squire Creek following the event.