Beyond Rudy: Athena (NY) Senior Inspires
 

They may never stop talking about what they witnessed Wednesday at Greece Athena's final home boys varsity basketball game of the season.

Jason [McElwain] 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.

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.

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They showed this on Cold Pizza this morning. The best was watching how rowdy the crowd got every time he hit a shot, and how they mobbed him on the court after the game.

Saw this on News Clip after I got Home tonight from work!

How Friggen Awesome for this Young Man!!!!

A great story.