Great story

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Be sure to watch the video:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/23/earlyshow/main1339324.shtml

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Beyond Rudy: Athena Senior Inspires

by R News Staff

Published Feb 17, 2006

They may never stop talking about what they witnessed Wednesday at

Greece Athena's final home boys varsity basketball game of the

season.

And that would be a good thing.

Some in attendance at Athena's game against Spencerport will say it

played out like a Hollywood script; like " Rudy, " or " Radio; " stories

about a long-shot and a waterboy who inspired their teams by not

letting their shortcomings stop them from giving their all.

In what " J-Mac " McElwain did during the waning moments of the

" Senior Night " at Athena, there may be much more.

is the trainer for the Athena varsity team. So dedicated is

, he has not missed a game or practice in the three years he's

served the team.

Wednesday for " Senior Night, " Athena coach Jim had

suit up for the game. He sat excitedly on the bench in his school

colors, number 52; an acknowledgement of 's commitment to the

program.

Athena moved to a comfortable 40-point lead against Spencerport. With

the home crowd calling and classmates waving signs of support,

called down the bench to number 52. , headband and all,

headed out onto the court.

" I just wanted to score a basket, " McElwain said.

" I " m just sitting there saying `Let him score just one point,' " his

mom, Deb said.

With the help of his teammates, stared down a shot from the

corner. The entire Athena bench, and every person in the gym rose.

missed.. by six feet.

Moments later, grabbed another pass and let it rain. The shot,

from beyond the three-point arc, swished straight through. In

unison, more than 300 people screamed in exaltation.

In the game's final four minutes, shot five more times from

behind the three-point arc. He made them all. Each time, teammates

on the bench would hold their heads and scream, fans would stomp,

tears would flow.

When the horn sounded, had scored 20 points. He set an Athena

record with a half-dozen three-pointers. His teammates and friends

stormed the court. They raised him on their shoulders... wide-eyed

and in awe of what they had just witnessed. They asked for his

autograph.

" I was focused on the game. You gotta be focused on the game. Not

anything else, " said.

What made being " in the zone " Wednesday not just another

shooting streak is that he is autistic.

What his example will do for others with autism is a story yet to be

told. 's mother believes it will mean great things for her son.

" Once the severe autistic child can break through, they can live in

this world. Just like anyone else, " Deb McElwain said.

As for , whose teammates gave him the nickname " J-Mac " (as in

Syracuse University guard Gerry " G-Mac " McNamara), his senior moment

may continue to move his teammates in their pursuit of a post-season

title. Coach hopes so.

" It was truly the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life. "