People of Courage: Jason McElwain

In 2006, Jason McElwain, who is autistic, was a senior at Greece Athena High School in a suburb of Rochester.  Autism is a brain disorder that begins in early childhood and continues throughout a person’s life.  Due to his disability, Jason didn’t begin talking until he was five, lacks some relational skills, and has trouble with creativity and imagination.  But his disability didn’t keep him from serving as the manager of the varsity basketball team.  Jason even dreamed that someday he would play in a game.

For the final game of the season, Coach Jim Johnson added Jason to the team roster so he could receive a jersey.  With four minutes left the coach put Jason into the game for his first and only appearance.  Jason missed his first two shots.  Later he told the media, “My first shot was an air ball, by a lot; then I missed a lay-up.”  Incredibly, like a scene out Rudy, Jason sank 6 three-pointers and one other basket in a row for a total of 20 points.  As the game ended, the crowd went wild and Jason’s teammates carried him off the court.

“This is the first moment Jason has ever succeeded,” Jason’s mother, Debbie McElwain said.  “I look at autism as the Berlin Wall, and he cracked it.”  Jason’s teammates couldn’t have been happier.  “He’s a cool kid,” one teammate reported.  “You just get to know him, get used to being around him. A couple of weeks ago, he missed practice because he was sick. You feel different when he’s not around. He brings humor and life to the team.”

Coach Johnson was overjoyed.  “I’ve had a lot of thrills in coaching,” Johnson reflected. “I’ve coached a lot of wonderful kids. But I’ve never experienced such a thrill.”

Jason’s accomplishment fascinated millions of Americans, including President Bush who met the student at a nearby airport.  “Our country was captivated by an amazing story on the basketball court,” said the President. “It’s the story of a young man who found his touch on the basketball court, which, in turn, touched the hearts of citizens all around the country.”

Jason McElwain is a person of courage. Although he has a serious disability, Jason didn’t allow it to prevent him from following his dream. He wanted to play on the basketball team; the chances of this happening based on merit were very small  But Jason moved toward his dream by taking what is viewed as the lowly position of team manager. If you ever played organized sports growing up, you know how cruel children can be toward someone in this position. The athletes ridicule, harass, and tease the team manager unmercifully. Through it all, Jason pursued his dream.

Jason waited his whole life for his one big chance – his one moment to shine. Then the coach put him in the final game and Jason made the most of the opportunity. The real story is not the incredible accomplishment of sinking six consecutive 3-point shots. The true story is the courage of one young man to face his disability head on – and win. The other story is a coach who gave someone a chance.

As you pursue your calling – the very dreams that God has given you – don’t give into the temptation to give up because it’s too hard. Avoid using excuses that you can’t possibly succeed. Achievement is not based solely on ability; it has much more to do with attitude. Character always triumphs over accomplishment – and usually goes hand in hand.

© 2011 Designed to Serve