Several Cardinal football players missed classes Thursday morning.

And with good reason.

Accompanied by head coach Sherard Poteete and assistant coaches, the Cardinals helped conduct competitions at the East Texas Special Olympics held at Panther Stadium in Mabank.

The competition drew approximately 125 entrants, according to event director Dennis Kirkpatrick. Several communities around the Cedar Creek Lake area and beyond were represented.

Kirkpatrick said he was excited when Poteete agreed to bring players to the event.

"We had tried to get them (Cardinal players) here a couple of other times, but something always came up, like COVID or thunderstorms," Kirkpatrick said. "It is great to finally get them here.

"The kids are enjoying them being a part of it and the players seem to be having a good time being a part of it."

Among the competitions were softball throws, long jump and 25-and-50-yard runs and walks. There were many others.

Poteete, who served as the official starter for the walking and running events, said the players and coaches were enjoying it as much, if not more, than the kids and the spectators.

"It is a beautiful day and a great experience for our players," Poteete said. "Part of our responsibility as coaches outside of our sport is to teach them to give back to others.

"For them to see these kids overcoming whatever challenges they may be facing and compete is a valuable experience. We are thankful to have been asked to participate."

The Cardinals may not have been in class today, but there were lessons learned.