Park Elementary School celebrated the Barton Community College men’s basketball team's national championship last week with a visit from the Cougars.

Park Principal Kelsey Sciacca said the players were introduced and students watched a highlight video.

Coach Coombs spoke to the students on teamwork and work ethic, while players Myles Thompson and Steffan Spray spoke to the school about perseverance and their personal journey to Barton.

Fourth-grader Jace Welcher was the school’s “Junior Reporter” who asked the players questions such as:  

• “What motivates you?” 

• “Who is the funniest on the team?”

• “Who has the best nickname on the team?” and

• “What was the best memory of this season?”

“Jace wore my jersey from when I played at Barton so it was funny to hear the current Barton players refer to it as a throwback and vintage jersey,”Sciacca said.

The students got to see a live dunk and all of the classes got to take their picture with the team and the National Championship trophy.

Sciacca also shared a Fun Fact: Myles Thomson is the grandson of Clay and Marne Guthmiller. Clay used to be the Superintendent for Great Bend USD 428 and Myles’ mother Abby and Aunt Ali were both standout athletes at GBHS. Myles’ sister Mya is currently on the Barton volleyball team. 

“It was a wonderful and exciting experience for our students,” Sciacca said. “This will be something the kids will always remember!”