There is nothing in life as inspiring as the underdog overachieving, which might be the reason that in sports the underdog is often the favorite by anyone not betting to cover the spread.
Nearly two weeks ago, an underdog provided a shining moment in a high school gym in New York. With four minutes remaining in the varsity basketball team’s final home game of the season, coach Jim Johnson sent the team manager, senior Jason McElwain, into the game.
The first time the ball touched his hands, McElwain hoisted a three-pointer from the left corner that caught nothing but air, but, like all great shooters, he kept shooting. After missing a layup on the next possession, the senior drilled a three to the delight of the crowd. And that was just the start of his night.
He nailed another three, followed by a third and so on. By the time the clock expired, McElwain had recorded six three-pointers in a 20-point effort (he was on the line for what would have been his seventh three-pointer).
Every child spent time imagining becoming a hero, but few have the opportunity and even fewer take advantage.
McElwain made the most of his opportunity and when it was finished, there were well-wishers searching for autographs and pictures of the historic night.
We have all pictured that moment in our own lives, and when we view it in another’s, it nearly makes us climb out of the recliner and give that person a standing ovation from our living room.
I almost did that Saturday as I watched the story unfold on SportsCenter.
There are many people that are deserving of those special moments and often they are unnoticed by the general public. What made McElwain’s story all the more amazing is the courage he showed.
His stature, at 5-foot-6, isn’t big enough for the junior varsity team let alone the big show. Instead of pouting and holding a grudge, McElwain asked to be the team manager. He dutifully served the team, never missing a practice and keeping stats on the sidelines while wearing a shirt and tie each week.
When he was noticed for his service and rewarded with his dream opportunity McElwain squared up and knocked it down.
What made his storyline so special isn’t the story as much as it is his circumstances. McElwain isn’t just short, he’s autistic.
Based on a study by the Cure Autism Now Foundation, autism is the third most common developmental disability, and it occurs in one of every 500 births. It also has a 5 to 1 rate of boys to girls. There is currently no cure for autism.
McElwain proved that the only limitations in life are the ones people put on themselves.

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