On day four in Houston, Texas, the Western Michigan football team, dance team, and cheer team took some time out of their busy bowl schedules to spend time with about 50 children at the DePelchin Children's Center just outside downtown Houston. The center is home to children and families in the Houston area and offers adoption services, foster care, prevent and counseling services, and much more.

The student-athletes handed out Texas Bowl t-shirts, WMU bumper stickers, and Bronco football schedules; all of which were eventually signed by football players, cheerleaders, and dancer team members. Even Buster Bronco was on hand to sign autographs, entertain, and take pictures with the children. About 15 members of the football team offered autographs and good conversation, and offensive lineman Phillip Swanson and linebacker Matt Pickens even took a moment to play catch with 10-year old Justin Turner, who brought his Houston Texans football for the players to sign.

Members of the Bronco dance and cheer teams taught a few young girls some of their cheers and dance moves, and helped the football players lead their own rendition of the Bronco fight song as the meet and greet came to a close.

Throughout the entire event, it was hard to tell who's smiles were bigger ? the student-athletes, or the kids who call the DePelchin Children's Center home. The children enjoyed the autographs and camaraderie, and the student-athletes were glad to brighten their days and act as role models. Tim Hiller, the “quarterback” as the kids called him, was a big hit because of the position he plays, and free safety Louis Delmas set a good example by teaching some of the kids how to make tough football faces for the camera. The children and parents applauded the students as they left the Center and thanked them for a very enjoyable afternoon they will never forget.