Friday night lights shine on 2 boys with Down Syndrome

by Grayson Edds from Connect Amarillo.com:
SANGER, TEXAS -- CNN -- They're not just water boys anymore. Two Texas teens are named honorary team captains of their football team.
Football season is back in Sanger, Texas, and the only thing more sure than getting sacked and sweaty in practice is seeing these two young men on the sidelines.
Blaky Pyron and Austin Waters are best friends, both going into their senior year at Sanger High.
And for the past few years, the teenagers who live with Down Syndrome have been a big part of the varsity football team. Water boys who led the team out of the tunnel every single game.
"These guys are special," said head coach Chuck Galbreath. "They have unique abilities and they live life to the fullest."
Galbreath has gone out of his way to make these kids not just feel like they're a part of the team, but be a part of the team.
"They're an inspiration for all of us, I know for me specifically," he said.

Sayville's Meg LaBelle, with Down syndrome, scores goal in lacrosse game

by Stephen Haynes from Newsday:
Farmingdale goalie Olivia Kirk was brought to tears, so moved by a goal she allowed that meant as much as any she had ever prevented.
"That was a great moment; something special," said the senior, one of several players on either sideline overcome with emotion. "How often does something like this happen?"
Meghan LaBelle, a Sayville junior with Down syndrome, scored against Farmingdale with 4.9 seconds remaining in Friday night's game. She carried the ball from midfield, with the help of Sayville's Julianne Johnston, drove up the right wing and fired from close range.
Cameras flashed, video rolled, the benches roared and many in attendance became choked up. LaBelle just beamed, having just realized one of her fantasies.
"Playing lacrosse is my dream," she said, still giddy. "It's my favorite sport. I was excited [but] I wasn't nervous at all. I got to play with my best friend, Jules."
That would be Johnston, who has known LaBelle since kindergarten.

Timberline baseball senior with Down syndrome stepping up to the plate

by Trevor Phibbs from Varisy Extra and OhioStatesman.com:
The final school bell chimes in mid-afternoon at Timberline High, signaling time to begin preparation for another baseball practice. Players act as groundskeepers andscatter across the diamond with rakes and garden hoses.
Senior Eddie Gordon can hardly wait to get started. Baseball has been on his brain from the moment he woke. Sprinting up the walkway, his excitement is pulsating; time is of the essence when it comes to practice.
Seconds from the gate, his eagerness combusts. "WASSUP?" he spouts from beyond the bordering chain-linked fence, waving his arms frantically. The team responds harmoniously, mimicking the famous Budweiser commercial.
Gordon's smile permeates across the field. This is the life. He's been an integral member of the Timberline program for the past two seasons, contributing as the batboy and serving as the team's unofficial moral deputy.
Born with Down syndrome, the opportunity to be one of the guys has meant the world.
But Monday night, his usual duties will take a back seat when he becomes a varsity player. After making an agreement with Centennial, Timberline coach Larry Price will pencil Gordon's name in the leadoff position to ceremoniously open Senior Night with an intentional walk.
Because for everyone involved in the program, Eddie has meant the world.

Boise cheerleader with Down syndrome inspires teammates

by Ashley M. Williams from USA Today:
Rachel Massingale, a cheerleader for Centennial High School in Boise, is doing more than just firing up crowds -- she's inspiring them.
Rachel, who has Down syndrome, has proved to all those around her what's possible when you're determined to reach your goals. Cheerleading coach Melissa Casey says not only has she been able to learn 52 cheers, but she "has even added her own little spirit to them."
Her teammates praise her for her incredible passion and the joy that she brings to everyone .
"I am very inspired by Rachel; I think she's taught us all a lot," teammate Mika Muta told KTVB. "She always gives 100%."

Sixers honor Bensalem basketball star Kevin Grow

frome 6 ABC Action News:

PHILADELPHIA - February 18, 2014 (WPVI) -- Bensalem basketball star Kevin Grow made his debut as part of the Philadelphia 76ers, after signing a two-day contract.

On Tuesday night, Grow was introduced on center court with his new teammates.
Before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the teen was outfitted with his own custom jersey and a stall in the team's locker-room.
It was another memorable night for an inspirational young man.
The Sixers announced Monday they were signing the senior to a ceremonial two-day contract.
Signing the two-day contract capped an amazing week-long run in the national spotlight for the Bensalem High School senior.
Last week, Action News' Jeff Skversky reported on the 18-year-old whose story garnered attention from around the Delaware Valley.
"We said two minutes and you take advantage of your two minutes of fame. His life will be changed forever," said Earl Grow, father.
The teen, who has Down Syndrome, was the high school team's manager for the last four years.
Then, his coach let him suit up for the final two games of the season.

Dunlope grows from love of sport

by Frank DiRenna from This Week Sports.com:
Anna Dunlope has been a part of the Westerville South High School swimming and diving program for four seasons.
Although she may not have had the same results as some of her teammates, her enthusiasm is endless.
Dunlope, 19, has Down syndrome, but she has not allowed it to hinder her love for the sport.
"We're very proud of her," said her mother, Debbie. "She loves swimming. It's been a tremendous positive influence in her life. The friendships that she has developed and the support system that she has with the other swimmers -- and just the camaraderie going to swim meets and seeing kids from other schools that she knows -- being part of a team is huge."
Anna's favorite event is the 100-yard breaststroke, but she also competes in other events, including the 50 freestyle. Her father, Doug, believes she has a personal-best of about 54 seconds in the 50 free.
She credits her teammates and coaches for helping her progress and enjoy competing in the sport.
"They keep me on track of what we're doing," she said. "Coach (Jeff Riegler) teaches me to go faster."
Anna is the only senior on the girls team, and Riegler expects her to receive special recognition during the Wildcats' season-ending awards ceremony.
'That makes me feel special," she said of being the only senior. "This is my last year. It's kind of sad."
"She can't do everything, but she doesn't really stop," Riegler said. "Everybody treats her with respect and you can't ask for a better teammate."

A boy with Down syndrome just might just be his football team’s MVP

by Kristie Smith from Dallas News:
Bill and Sandie Wood waited anxiously on the delivery of their son, Chase, 15 years ago. Chase’s older brother, Austin, was also excited for his younger brother to arrive.
None of them saw it coming when the doctor walked into the room and informed them that their child had Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development.
“We were clueless,” Sandie said. “I had never heard of Chase’s condition. I did not realize how much help I was going to need and thought I could do it on my own but quickly realized that was not the case. Thank God for DSG — Down Syndrome Guild.”
DSG is a group of parents who help others who have children born with disabilities.
Now, 15 years later, Chase has grown to 5 feet 9 inches and is 168 pounds of athletic ability. Since his seventh-grade year, he has been a member of Rockwall ISD’s Williams Middle School Wildcat football team playing defensive tackle. His younger brother, Seth, assists and is one of his strongest supporters.
It was not easy for Chase to be a part of the team. While head coach Kip Muhl was receptive to Sandie’s proposal, he understandably was concerned about safety issues. However, after consideration, the coach agreed to allow Chase to be a Wildcat.

Truman Cheerleader Brings Unmatched Enthusiasm

by Justin Sampson from St. Joe Channel:
(ST. JOSEPH) Fourteen-year-old Aliyah Hall, an eighth grader at Truman Middle School, enjoys staying active, like many teenagers, with things like swimming and basketball.
Also like many children, she was born with down sydnrome.
"I really can't explain it to you, but it was something that I just knew," Aliyah's mother, Laurie, said. "After she was born, it was more of a confirmation for me."
An avid dancer as well, Aliyah quickly took a shine to the Truman cheer squad when she got to middle school and wanted to be a part of it. It was something Laurie wasn't sure about at first, given that Truman had never had a special needs cheerleader before.
"I shared my concerns because not everyone deals with special needs children the say way. They were awesome. They really embraced her."

Football Team Honors Player With Down Syndrome

Nathan Hershey is at every practice, every game and has even earned the nickname "coach" during his four years at his high ...

school. So, his coach decided to end the season with a special surprise.

High school football squad embraces teammate with Down syndrome

by Stephen Hargis from the Times Free Press:
The rain clouds that have lingered over the area much of the summer finally had lifted, and the late afternoon sun, along with the promise of a new football season, was energizing Hixson High School's players.
As more than 70 teenage boys worked through various drills, the thud of pads crashing and the chirp of a coach's whistle were prevalent for the first few minutes of practice.
Just then, after the authoritative yell of head coach Jason Fitzgerald boomed instruction, another voice could be heard giving encouragement.
See video here.
Austin Clark, a 4-foot-2, 135-pound freshman lineman, and the heart and soul of this year's Wildcats, adjusted his helmet and greeted each teammate who completed the tackling drill with a fist bump, a 1,000-watt smile and an endless supply of spunk.
"Come on! Let's go!" Clark yelled.
Nodding toward the diminutive player fidgeting with an oversized jersey, Fitzgerald smiled and said, "If every kid came to practice with the same attitude that Austin has every day, we wouldn't lose a game. That kid is what's right about high school football.
"He's why I love coaching at this level."

Middle school cheer squad welcomes new member with Down Syndrome

from WCSH 6 Portland by Michele Mullen:
A 13-year-old girl is learning it isn't easy being a cheerleader.

"I think it's pretty cool that I'm a cheerleader," said Sarah Hill.

Hill's 30 new teammates think it's pretty cool that she's with them.

"It definitely has pulled us closer, cause like, everybody is helping Sarah, so it's like a team basically now," said teammate Rashel Vega. "Usually it was like, eighth-graders on one side, seventh-graders on the other, sixth-graders on the other, and like everybody had just joined together into a really big team."

The seed was planted in Hill's mind in early March while watching a cheer performance. The eighth-grader, who has Down Syndrome, turned to her aid and said she wanted to join the team.

"She said, 'Jessica, I'm going to be a cheerleader someday,' and I looked at her and I got a little teary-eyed and I said, 'Yeah, you are.'" said aid Jessica Ortiz.

Calls were made and a plan was put into place, a day later, Hill was invited to join the New Brighton Middle School team.

"It just make me proud, proud of what we can do as people for each other, and Sarah's done a lot more for me than I've done for her," said cheerleading coach Jen Walker.

Owen Groesser makes 3-pointers & SportsCenter!

from ESPN:
Middle schooler with Down Syndrome, Owen Groesser, makes SportsCenter's Top Plays after draining two 3-pointers.
Owen Groesser enjoyed a night to remember, and took Twitter by storm in the process.
Groesser, a junior high student with Down syndrome, made a pair of 3-pointers in his school's basketball game Wednesday, prompting a Twitter campaign that resulted in a highlight on "SportsCenter."
According to ABC affiliate WXYZ in Detroit, Groesser had not played this season for Van Hoosen Junior High School, which was playing its season finale Wednesday.
But after entering late in the game, Groesser received a pass beyond the arc and sank a 3-pointer, sparking a wild celebration in the stands. Groesser also made another 3-pointer, finishing with six points in approximately two minutes of playing time.
After the game, Groesser's friends and teammates launched a Twitter campaign called #GetOwenOnSportsCenter, which trended as highlights of the game spread on the Internet.
The campaign was a success, as Groesser's exploits were featured on "SportsCenter's" Top-10 highlights Wednesday night.

Robert Griffin III Helped An 8th Grader With Down Syndrome Get On SportsCenter

by Cork Gaines from the Business Insider:

Owen Groesser is an eighth grade basketball player with Down Syndrome from Rochester Hills, Michigan. He had not played all season until his coach had him play the final two minutes of the team's final game. Owen made the most of his two minutes sinking two three pointers.

Friends and family then started a movement on Twitter to try and get Owen on SportsCenter.

One person reached out to Robert Griffin III through Twitter and RG3 forwarded (retweeted) the message to his 780,000 followers. And sure enough, Owen came in at #10 on SportsCenter's "Top 10" and later he and his father were interviewed.

There are a lot of bad things on Twitter. But there are also a lot of great things. Here's the "Top 10" clip as well as a shot of Owen and his dad being interviewed...

Community rallies around baseball player with Down syndrome

By Keith McCord, Deseret News:

Next week, it's post season tournament time for the Farmington Area Baseball League. And for the Angels, who are in the Pony Division, they're hoping to turn their season around and win the trophy.
One of the players is extremely excited. He's number 12, Blake Curtis. But everybody calls him "Blakee."
For the 17-year-old right fielder and sometimes pitcher, Wednesday's game was just another game. Blake's been playing ball since he was about 5, and he can't wait to get to the ball park.
"I have to be really careful about game day," laughs Jeff Curtis, Blake's father and coach. "As soon as I tell Blake there's a game, he'll put his uniform on. Most times, I come home from work and the game isn't for three hours, he's already home with his uniform on saying, 'Come on, let's go play.'"
Blake has Down syndrome, a chromosomal condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in a child's mental and physical development. Curtis has two children with Down syndrome. He said through experience he has learned that with children with disabilities, parents have to start early doing activities or there's no opportunity for the children to develop skills.
"We thought we'd try to go through the hard times, so we could get to this point," he said, "and it's been worth it."
He said the most important thing with anyone with a disability is to let them set their own limits. Not everyone can play baseball, he said, but some of them can, so people should let them play.
The league rules have been modified somewhat for him. For example, when he's batting, if the pitch is outside the strike zone and he swings and misses, it's still called a "ball."
"If it's over his head and he swings, it's a ball," explained Curtis. "But if it's in the strike zone, it's a strike no matter what he does. But that does two things: it forces the pitcher to throw strikes and it gives Blake a chance to go up and wail away and see what happens. And he's hit pretty good, he's done pretty well."
The team is also allowed to have 10 players on the field. "The reason we asked for that, and I've never had a parent say it, it's never been an issue, but I never wanted a parent to come and say, 'Well, why is my son sitting down because the boy with Down syndrome is playing," Curtis said.
Blake didn't hit the home runs he was hoping for that night, but he got on base a couple of times and scored. The Angels have wrapped up their 12-game regular schedule, and it was a tough year with three wins, eight losses and a tie. But the post-season starts Monday and the team has new optimism.
Blake's dad said there have been some difficult learning moments on the field through the years. Blake used to throw the bat, instead of dropping it after he hit a ball. And the first time he got hit by a pitch, he got mad and didn't want to go to first base. He wanted to stay at the plate and keep swinging.
Blake plays each game with great enthusiasm. Curtis credits that to all the players, parents and the league for giving Blake the chance to play.
"It's just been a lot of fun because everybody's been so good to him," he said, getting a little emotional. "These kids especially, they've supported him, rallied around him when he bats or when he pitches. (It's) been a lot of fun."
Curtis is grateful for the opportunity his son has been given. "That's all he ever wanted. That's all we wanted to see."
Blake and the Angels now have an opportunity to win the league championship next week.
"When we started, I never thought we'd get past the pitching machine," Curtis said. "He's faced a real pitcher and done really well. It's amazing what kids are capable of if you just give them the opportunity and get out of their way."

Rocky Mountain High's secrect weapon

From denverpost.com

Rocky Mountain High School baseball coach Scott Bullock never has had to search for his team's character. It was there when the Lobos won the past four big-school titles with skill, class and academic acclaim. They're in the mix for a fifth this spring.

Perhaps that's because Bullock, from age 6, learned to grow up fast. It was then his older brother, Dean, had a diving accident that led to his becoming a quadriplegic. Six months after his brother's accident, his mother died. His brother passed away in January at age 48.

As for his identity, the person Bullock ultimately became as an adult has also been greatly shaped by his son, Tagg, who will celebrate his seventh birthday next month. A short, stocky bundle of energy bound for first grade next year, Tagg was born with Down syndrome, a condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. He has impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth as well as the distinctive facial features associated with Down syndrome, but Tagg's ever-busy, well-rounded father couldn't be prouder.

"We didn't know about it until he was born. We were thrilled to have a child," Bullock said of himself and his wife, Michelle. "Not knowing a lot about Down, not knowing enough that he had special needs, was extremely painful. Our emotions were mixed."

Bullock, 40, had been shocked and shaken before by unexpected news, so why should greeting his unexpected special guy have been any different?

"It was tough," he said. "The toughest thing for me was that he wasn't the kid you were expecting. That was hard. But not for one second did we ever lack the love that we feel for this child."

Bullock, a native of Torrington, Wyo., who teaches health and physical education at Rocky Mountain, had encountered Lobos students with Down syndrome and calls them "great kids."

Tagg's presence seems to bring out the best in others, creating a balance of caring and feeling fortunate for themselves.


He is a regular visitor to Lobos' games and practices, where he has free rein to go through virtually every players' bat bag. Throwing the ball or hitting? Forget it. All he wants is a ride when the cart is used to drag the infield and the chance to roam from player to player.

"The guys are very patient with him," Bullock said.

Said Rocky Mountain senior pitcher-outfielder Eric Ferguson: "It makes us realize that everything you've got is important, and we're lucky."

Rocky Mountain athletic director Wayne Moddelmog sees the gift Tagg provides the school.
"That whole relationship that Scott has with Tagg and Tagg has with our baseball community and our Rocky Mountain High community has really been a neat thing," he said. "I think it really puts life into perspective."
Said Lobos pitching coach Glen Schwab: "(Tagg) and Coach have such a love affair."

Don't underestimate Tagg. He's strong, Bullock said. Likes to go back and forth in the swing in the family backyard. And keep him away from the pizza, ice cream and hot dogs.

"He brightens up your day," Lobos senior pitcher Chris Bonk said.
Added Lobos senior pitcher-infielder Jess Amedee, "He's unbelievable, a great little kid who makes everyone happy. He has a ball, and it's awesome."


"Scott teaches the kids more than just baseball," Moddelmog said.
The team is always looking for ways to give back throughout the Fort Collins community. After last week's victory over Chaparral, Bullock and his father presented a $5,000 check to Craig Rehabilitation Center, which gave his brother so much over 34 years. The money came from his brother's foundation.
Schwab got misty-eyed when recalling it while watching Bullock parade Tagg through the infield after a game Tuesday.

"And that's why that guy right there is the best at what he does," he said, pointing at Bullock.
Bullock will settle for second, but only if it involves standing right behind his son.

"Tagg has such a tremendous outlook on life," Bullock said. "We can all learn something from him."