Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- The football field and fairy tales collided at the 15th annual Pigskin Poets.

The Gamecock football team received a heroes welcome at the Richland County Public Library. But, not for a daring victory on the gridiron, but for reading a story or two. Even though it's not the Gamecocks typical line of work, they were glad to do it.

It really makes you feel good. Because I know when I was a little kid this is the kind of stuff I would love to do," said USC player Brendan Nosovitch.

The  fusion of reading and football is a "W" for all sides. 

"I think it helps people in our community see that the library is, you know, cool," said RCPL children's librarian, Heather McCue. "They see them standing up on stage reading, they see them wearing their reading medals, they want to do it too."
Although many children come to get an autograph, McCue believes the program gives kids an important academic boost.

"It's vital because we know when kids don't read over the summer they are two to three months behind their peers that are reading," she said.

The Greiner family haven't missed the event for the past four years.

"It's something that encourages kids to read and we'll always support that," said Drew Greiner.

While most Gamecock fans are hoping that the team is training to crush the competition, Greiner is appreciative of their efforts in the community. 

"It's not something they have to do, so the fact that they give back, it just makes it all worth coming," Greiner said.