RAY SWANSON | Keystoner Oh, what a night: Jason's story touches everyone

I sat in awe before the television set the other day, the tears rolling freely down my cheeks. I had a knot in my throat the size of a grapefruit.
I was watching the basketball play of a kid from New York, an autistic young man named Jason, who came off the bench in the final four minutes and performed so spectacularly that in all probability you will never ever see this type of performance again in this lifetime.
It was as if Jason was touched by an angel. He couldn't miss and connected on six 3-pointers in the final four minutes of play. He completed his performance with a 20-point night amidst the jumping, clamoring, hugging and screaming of the faithful fans in the gymnasium.
Even the opposing players were hugging Jason at the conclusion of the contest. Never before has such an amazing display of marksmanship took place in that gymnasium or on any other place of athletic endeavor for that matter.
What a story! What an effort!
Background
For two years, Jason had been a ball boy for his team. He was nothing more than a water boy, a young man who perhaps had dreams of his own, ones he kept undercover for a number of years.
But on that special night in New York, this young man brought everyone to their knees in admiration. He literally brought down the house. It was his night and it all belonged to him. As I write this column, my eyes are once again welled with tears. Men don't cry. Their hearts do.
We wish to thank several people who were highly instrumental in Jason's big night. They are Coach Jim Johnson who sent Jason into the contest, and to the young man who made the video of Jason's escapades. The most beautiful shot I've ever seen took place in the final seconds when Jason's final 3-pointer was in the air at the buzzer and it was nothing but net. The delirious fans exploded onto the floor and mobbed their hero. What a night!.
I don't always agree with the policies of George W. Bush but his plane trip to New York to shake hands and congratulate Jason on his sterling performance were certainly gestures that will remain in the heart of Jason and Americans everywhere for years to come. Thank you, Mr. President.
And Jason's parents are also to be held accountable for their son's efforts. They never sent Jason to any special schools but kept him in the classes of regular schools. That in itself says a lot for Jason's mom and dad.
Overcoming odds
In high school sports, I engaged in basketball at Sharpsville High. I played against a young man from one of the Erie Schools whose one leg was about the size of a walking cane. He apparently had polio in his younger years and the leg never developed properly. I tell you, this kid had more moves than a Bulova and he could fake you right out of your shoes. He was the brother of one of Erie's most successful football players who went on to a tremendous pro career as a receiver with the Oakland Raiders.
Another youngster, who played basketball with my son, Gary, at Hickory High School, had lost his hearing at a young age. He was totally deaf but he was perhaps more aware than some of the other players. He was a strong rebounder and held his own in the pivot area.
Also at Sharpsville High School, in the football program, there was another courageous youngster who kicked extra points and field goals for the Blue Devils varsity team. He didn't have any arms.
Sometimes it just a big hug, or a nice gesture that brings satisfaction to many youngsters. Hats off to all of them. As for Jason, he received enough rewards to last a lifetime. God bless him.