At North Ridgeville Academic Center, everyone has a cheerleader.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio — The cheers at North Ridgeville Academic Center on Thursday were loud enough to fill Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, but you're not watching an NBA game.
This one was more meaningful.
The North Ridgeville Unified Sports basketball team hosted a tournament for several teams comprised of both able-bodied students and students with developmental or physical challenges from Northeast Ohio.
“As I was saying to the other coaches, I really feel like crying today. It's a really overwhelming day. And the kids just…worked so hard during practice and they really did everything. He deserves the love of,' and that recognition,'' Rangers coach Hunter Rosette said.
Thursday's tournament drew a lot of praise as players from about five local schools of varying abilities played on equal terms.
“It's all about us coming together and getting everyone here as one and on the same playing field. That's what's important about our team and this tournament,” Hunter said.
Alex Ashburn and Austin Koch were making big moves on the court for the Rangers.
“I’ve been playing all my life,” Austin said.
“I love shooting!” Alex said. “I like being with my friends!”
That's what makes the job so special for a coach like Hunter. She has a front row seat to her support every day.
“One of the things we really focus on in practice is, is this student likely not going to be able to play defense? So how do we incorporate them into the same amount of playing time as other students? Can I do that?” she said.
Even if it doesn't work out the first time, I'll try again and again. Because on this basketball court, everyone has your back.
“I think what's different here is that no matter what team you're on, you're going to be cheered on just as loudly. So if I'm here cheering for Jake, I'm going to stand up and stand up and scream. But if someone on the other team scores, I'm going to do the exact same thing,'' Midview coach Bobby Werbey said.
Jacob is one of Bobi's players. Today gave him some energy.
“Yeah, I was really good. You know, I just played tough and was confident and strong,” he told us.
Powerful, supported and included. Can you think of a better way to watch it?
“I feel great and strong, and…Ranger is strong!” Austin told us.
Click here to learn more about Unified Sports.
More excitement with Lindsey Buckingham:
