It wasn’t much of a surprise that residents of the Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in West Lawrence had permanent ear-to-ear grins Monday night.

A visit from more than a dozen Kansas University football players — who came to hang out for a while — can have that effect.

The Jayhawks, coach Mark Mangino and assistant Earnest Collins visited with the residents of Pioneer Ridge, signing autographs, showing a highlight video and, most importantly, carrying on conversations with long-time fans and newfound supporters of KU football.

Everyone, it seemed, had a better day as a result.

“It was very interesting. They were a lot of fun,” said Opal Folks, a Pioneer Ridge resident who chatted with several players. “I think everyone enjoyed them.”

The players passed out media guides to the residents, then shared stories about where they’re from, what they’re majoring in, and even what their goals were for the 2005 season.

“Our kids need to experience more than just football in college,” Mangino said. “Part of this is experiencing life. We want our kids to understand what’s in their environment. There’s people that enjoy being reached out to. We can brighten someone else’s day.”

Kansas players often take part in such community service projects during their down time. Besides visiting Pioneer Ridge, which the players hope to do periodically, they help with housing work for Habitat for Humanity in the summer, among other projects.

Making the trip Monday were about 15 players, including seniors Banks Floodman, Nick Reid, Kevin Kane, Tim Allen, Darren Rus and Brian Luke, and even some newcomers, like Marcus Anderson, who joined the team in January.

They all left feeling a little bit better about themselves — and knowing that they may have picked up a few more fans in the process.

“It’s a blast,” Reid said. “We really enjoy coming out here and taking time out of our schedules to just hang out. It’s fun to be able to do that and be recognized. It’s really special for not only them, but us as well.”

Kansas University football player Nick Reid shares stories with a resident of the Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community. The Jayhawks visited the home Monday night.