Newton Elementary School students form bonds with Bethel men’s basketball team

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. (KWCH) – The stands were filled with miniature fans at the Bethel College men’s basketball game Tuesday as about 500 elementary school students from the Newton School District gathered to cheer on the team.

Over the past few months, the team has developed partnerships with Newton students. They visited several elementary schools, spent time with students during lunch and made connections.

“It’s really cool to be able to play in front of them and show them how we operate on and off the court,” said Harper Jonas, a senior on the basketball team.

Jason Artaz, head coach of the men’s basketball team, emphasized the importance of providing children with positive role models.

“Kids have so many different things to look up to, and we want to make sure we give them a good example of what it means to be an adult,” Artaz said. “If they don’t hear it from the teacher, maybe they can hear it from someone else.”

Artaz said he hopes the partnership between Bethel College and the Newton School District will continue to inspire and encourage local youth and reinforce the values ​​of teamwork, dedication and mentorship both on and off the court.

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