Thibodeau's story shows magic of sports

Patrick Thibodeau was his basketball team's manager for nine years. He never played in a real game, until he finally got his chance on senior night for Greely High in Cumberland Center, Maine.

Thibodeau stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, but short stature is not the main detriment for Thibodeau: He has Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome is a condition that can lead to congenital heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, seizures, obesity, childhood leukemia and thyroid problems.

For one night, though, Thibodeau could forget about his physical problems and play a sport just like every other kid: Hit the game-winning shot and have the crowd chant your name like a modern-day god.

Ken Marks, Greely High's head basketball coach, said he thought allowing Patrick to play would be a great way to get him on the floor.

Everything was in place for this to be a magical night for Thibodeau and the community of Cumberland Center.

But Perry, Thibodeau's father, had a stroke two weeks before the game. When Perry, also an assistant coach on the team, regained consciousness, he said he wanted to make sure he could see Patrick play.

Thibodeau missed his first shot, but his second went right through the hole. The crowd erupted, his mom clapping her hands as her baby boy scored for his high school team.

Thibodeau did not go off for twenty points like the autistic Jason McElwain, whose story ended up on ESPN. Thibodeau scored six points. His teammates proceeded to carry him off the court, reminiscent of "Rudy."

Thibodeau raised his hands in the air as the team lifted him high above the ground. He may only be 5 feet 6 inches, but he probably felt like he was 10 feet off the ground.

I say, good for him. This is a story that represents what sports are. Sports are the great equalizer, where David knocks off Goliath, where heroes are remembered, but legends never die.

Thibodeau and another player, Josh Titus, who has autism, both received send-offs to the Final Four and were honored during CBS' pregame show. Thibodeau and Titus were also honored by Maine Gov. John Baldacci, as he proclaimed April 4 to be Thibodeau and Titus Day.

Thibodeau will eventually go back to his normal life and the glitter of this performance will fade, but he will always be able to look back on his performance and remember the opportunity given to him by the Greely staff.

Perry Thibodeau said seeing Patrick make his shot was the "best feeling in his life."

Next time you're having a bad day, just go to www.YouTube.com and watch Patrick Thibodeau light it up from three.

Paul Harris is a sophomore in mass communications. Please send comments to sports@spub.ksu.edu.