Hastings College athletes welcome HPS students back to school

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Wednesday marked the first day of school for Hastings Public Schools, and elementary school students got quite the surprise as they entered their buildings this morning.

Hastings College athletes from several teams were lined up to greet the kids as they entered the school, giving out high fives, fist bumps, and words of encouragement.

At Hawthorne Elementary School, members of the Bronco football, women’s and men’s basketball, soccer, and baseball teams were on hand to pump up the students.

“Some kids were nervous, and I think we were nervous at the beginning too, but it was fun,” said women’s basketball player Lauren Hauser. “We had a great time, I think the kids had a good time, and they were excited.”

“It was a nice surprise,” explained Alyssa Remy, who also plays basketball at Hastings College. “We saw a couple kids quite a few times cuz they were taking some laps, but we switched it up each time giving high fives, highs, lows, fist bumps. I think it was a good experience.”

Hawthorne Elementary wasn’t the only school involved. Bronco athletes also welcomed kids at Lincoln, Longfellow, Alcott, and Watson elementary schools.

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