On Wednesday, October 28, 2021,  members of the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts basketball teams visited De Queen Elementary School. The UAC student-athletes read to over 500 elementary school students during lunch. The youngsters were treated to the reading of a book about Michael Jordan, "Salt in His Shoes," written by Jordan's mother and sister. In addition, coach Bryant Pagan II and the Colts players made sure each student received a UA Cossatot tee shirt.

De Queen Elementary School Principal Terri Phillips expressed the school's appreciation and complimented the Colts and Lady Colts for taking the time to do something special for the elementary students. Phillips said, "The students and staff at De Queen Elementary had an exciting day interacting with the Lady Colts and Colts of UA Cossatot. They learned about perseverance and acceptance through the reading of "Salt in His Shoes" and enjoyed conversations with the team members. Receiving a Colts tee shirt from UA Cossatot served as the icing on the cake for DES students. Thank you, UA Cossatot, for the experience!"

UAC Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, said Wednesday's effort was just one example of the Colts' and Lady Colts' involvement in public service efforts. "What these student-athletes do outside of their classrooms is amazing. They come to UA Cossatot to play sports, but they also come to be a part of the community and give back. They are truly amazing young men and women, with awesome coaches that lead them, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.”

For more information on the UA Cossatot Colts and Lady Colts, contact Coach Byrd at 870-584-1105 or rbyrd@cccua.edu.