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02-24-2006, 06:00 AM
(I looked and didn't see this posted here before, if I missed it sorry to repeat it).
I originally heard this yesterday on Dan Patrick's espnradio show.
Athena Senior Inspires
by Jim Aroune
courtesy: Greece Central School Dist.
Published Feb 17, 2006
They may never stop talking about what they witnessed Wednesday at Greece Athena's final home boys varsity basketball game of the season.
And that would be a good thing.
Some in attendance at Athena's game against Spencerport will say it played out like a Hollywood script; like "Rudy," or "Radio;" stories about a long-shot and a waterboy who inspired their teams by not letting their shortcomings stop them from giving their all.
In what Jason McElwain did during the waning moments of the "Senior Night" at Athena, there may be much more.
Jason is the trainer for the Athena varsity team. So dedicated is Jason, he has not missed a game or practice in the three years he's served the team.
Wednesday for "Senior Night," Athena coach Jim Johnson had Jason suit up for the game. He sat excitedly on the bench in his school colors, number 52; an acknowledgement of Jason's commitment to the program.
Athena moved to a comfortable 20-point lead against Spencerport. With the home crowd calling and classmates waving signs of support, Johnson called down the bench to number 52. Jason, headband and all, headed out onto the court.
"I just wanted to score a basket," McElwain said.
"I"m just sitting there saying `Let him score just one point,'" his mom, Deb said.
With the help of his teammates, Jason stared down a shot from the corner. The entire Athena bench, and every person in the gym rose.
Jason missed.. by six feet.
Moments later, Jason grabbed another pass and let it rain. The shot, from beyond the three-point arc, swished straight through. In unison, those in the gym screamed.
In the game's final four minutes, Jason shot five more times from behind the three-point arc. He made them all. Each time, teammates on the bench would hold their heads and scream, fans would stomp, tears would flow.
Jason scored 20 points. He set an Athena record with a half-dozen three-pointers. His teammates and friends stormed the court. They raised him on their shoulders... wide-eyed and in awe of what they had seen. They asked Jason for his autograph.
" I was focused on the game. You gotta be focused on the game. Not anything else," Jason said.
What made Jason being "in the zone" Wednesday not just another shooting streak is that he is autistic.
What his example will do for others with autism is a story yet to be told. Justin's mother believes it will mean great things for her son.
"Once the severe autistic child can break through, they can live in this world. Just like anyone else," Deb McElwain said.
As for Justin, whose teammates gave him the nickname "J-Mac" (as in Syracuse University guard Gerry "G-Mac" McNamara), his senior moment may continue to move his teammates in their pursuit of a post-season title. Coach Johnson hopes so.
"It was truly the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life."
Greece Central School District
I originally heard this yesterday on Dan Patrick's espnradio show.
Athena Senior Inspires
by Jim Aroune
courtesy: Greece Central School Dist.
Published Feb 17, 2006
They may never stop talking about what they witnessed Wednesday at Greece Athena's final home boys varsity basketball game of the season.
And that would be a good thing.
Some in attendance at Athena's game against Spencerport will say it played out like a Hollywood script; like "Rudy," or "Radio;" stories about a long-shot and a waterboy who inspired their teams by not letting their shortcomings stop them from giving their all.
In what Jason McElwain did during the waning moments of the "Senior Night" at Athena, there may be much more.
Jason is the trainer for the Athena varsity team. So dedicated is Jason, he has not missed a game or practice in the three years he's served the team.
Wednesday for "Senior Night," Athena coach Jim Johnson had Jason suit up for the game. He sat excitedly on the bench in his school colors, number 52; an acknowledgement of Jason's commitment to the program.
Athena moved to a comfortable 20-point lead against Spencerport. With the home crowd calling and classmates waving signs of support, Johnson called down the bench to number 52. Jason, headband and all, headed out onto the court.
"I just wanted to score a basket," McElwain said.
"I"m just sitting there saying `Let him score just one point,'" his mom, Deb said.
With the help of his teammates, Jason stared down a shot from the corner. The entire Athena bench, and every person in the gym rose.
Jason missed.. by six feet.
Moments later, Jason grabbed another pass and let it rain. The shot, from beyond the three-point arc, swished straight through. In unison, those in the gym screamed.
In the game's final four minutes, Jason shot five more times from behind the three-point arc. He made them all. Each time, teammates on the bench would hold their heads and scream, fans would stomp, tears would flow.
Jason scored 20 points. He set an Athena record with a half-dozen three-pointers. His teammates and friends stormed the court. They raised him on their shoulders... wide-eyed and in awe of what they had seen. They asked Jason for his autograph.
" I was focused on the game. You gotta be focused on the game. Not anything else," Jason said.
What made Jason being "in the zone" Wednesday not just another shooting streak is that he is autistic.
What his example will do for others with autism is a story yet to be told. Justin's mother believes it will mean great things for her son.
"Once the severe autistic child can break through, they can live in this world. Just like anyone else," Deb McElwain said.
As for Justin, whose teammates gave him the nickname "J-Mac" (as in Syracuse University guard Gerry "G-Mac" McNamara), his senior moment may continue to move his teammates in their pursuit of a post-season title. Coach Johnson hopes so.
"It was truly the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life."
Greece Central School District