Cal Poly Pomona Athletics

The 24 members of Julie Riley’s second-grade class at Vista del Valle Elementary School in Claremont were on the receiving end of the Cal Poly Pomona tennis teams’ visit earlier this month. 

One would be hard-pressed wondering who had more fun – the pack of 7-year olds, or the 10 Broncos who took time out from class, practice and the daily rigors of college life at CPP to find their inner-child once again. 

“Our kids have so much fun when Sandy’s teams spend their time with us,’’ said Riley, a long-time friend of Kriezel’s. “This has become an annual get-together. We look forward to their visits and the children have so much fun.’’ 

Though they spent just two hours on Jan.8, the afternoon memories will last much longer. The children got the chance to play games, exercise and were recipients of some much-needed athletic equipment.

Each CPP team donated two balls from their respective sport and the children each received a brand-new tennis ball. 

“Lots of our kids have little brothers and sisters, so this isn’t a tough thing at all to coax our kids to visit children,’’ Kriezel said. “We have just as much fun as Julie’s kids, maybe even more.’’ 

It wasn’t all about fun and games. Lots of learning took place, too. Each Bronco member talked about their studies at Cal Poly Pomona and explained their major. 

“Learning never ends once you’re outside of a classroom,’’ Riley said. “Having our kids learn about opportunities that exist because of their education is enriching.’’ 

And even a simple thank you letter paid off. One of the second-grade standards in the state of California is writing a friendly letter. 

Riley’s class wrote back to the Broncos on a card in the shape of a ball with each child sharing their thoughts on the day. 

“Our kids are still talking about their day with the Broncos,’’ Riley said. 

The same could be said of Kriezel’s kids, too.