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Tennessee basketball player Tyler Smith and six other UT athletes were performing in a different arena Thursday morning.

Gathered in the book store in the basement at University Center, the athletes took turns reading to about 40 preschool children from Thackston School as part of the national "Reading for the Record" program.

"Basically we are trying to set a record for the most children being read to (nationally) at one time," said Robert Avery of Pearson Higher Education, which teams with Jumpstart to direct the program nationally. "One of the best ways to promote literacy is to read to children at a young age."

The numbers will have to be tallied up and submitted to the Guinness Book of Records for approval before a record can be determined.

Smith said he still remembers being read to from Dr. Seuss books as a preschooler, and he has a special reason for being a part of this program now.

"I have a son of my own who is two years old," Smith said. "I just like to see him excited to see people in person who he has seen on TV. It's important that these kids see people who they really know and hear from them how important it is to read and stay in school."

Smith didn't get to read "Cordoroy," the book chosen for the mass reading. That honor went to volleyball player Kayla Jeter. Also on hand were teammates Deedee Harrison, Nikki Fowler, Mindy Flynn and Milan Clarke, and soccer player Devon Swaim.

Smith's selection was, "If You Give a Moose a Muffin," not a strategy opponents are expected to employ on him this winter.

Steve Ahillen may be reached at 865-342-6259.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.