[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 30 (Thursday, March 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JASON McELWAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 9, 2006

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an outstanding 
young man, his supportive teammates, and an inspirational performance 
on the basketball court. In a matter of just 4 minutes, Jason McElwain 
and the Greece Athena High School Trojans showed us all the power of 
dedication, teamwork, and perseverance.
  Jason has always been a steadfast and energetic contributor to the 
Greece Athena Varsity Basketball team in his role as team manager. 
Although never getting a chance to play, Jason placed his heart and 
soul into helping the team and became an indispensable teammate, day in 
and day out.
  Jason also has been challenged everyday by autism, a disability that, 
while difficult, has not undercut Jason's goals or his involvement with 
the team. In turn, Jason's teammates, led by Coach Jim Johnson, have 
embraced him and believed in him. To them, Jason is not an autistic 
team manager; rather he is simply, emphatically a teammate. And a 
passionate teammate--Jason never misses practice and is always a 
helpful supporter at games, dispensing water bottles and advice from 
the team bench dressed in his trademark shirt and tie.
  That was until February 15, when Coach Johnson told Jason to suit up 
in the Trojan uniform for the first time for the last game of the 
regular season. Jason's dedication, his teammates' support, his coach's 
trust, all were set to pay off in a most dramatic way.
  With only 4 minutes remaining in the game, Jason got the call off the 
bench. He took the floor, and his fellow students went wild. They held 
up signs. They chanted his nickname, ``J-Mac.'' The cheers and chants 
would only grow louder as Jason put on a performance that the town of 
Greece will never forget. In his short but remarkable debut for Greece 
Athena, Jason made not one, not two, but six 3 pointers, and finished 
the game with 20 points. As his final shot swished clean through the 
net with 2 seconds to play, the raucous fans rushed the court. Coach 
Johnson, along with most, was brought to tears. Jason's teammates 
hoisted him upon their shoulders. A true hero and the true meaning of 
teamwork were discovered that night on the hardwood in Greece.
  And the Trojans weren't finished. Two weeks later, that teamwork 
propelled the Spartans to the very top, as they won their sectional 
championship. Jason, back in his shirt and tie, yet never more 
important a teammate, cheered and assisted from the bench. When the 
championship trophy was presented, Jason was the first to lift it over 
his head.
  Jason's perseverance and his teammates' support serve as a great 
example to us all. Mr. Speaker, in recognition of their remarkable 
achievement, I ask that this honorable body join me in honoring Jason 
McElwain and the Greece Athena High School Basketball Trojans.

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