From a sitting position: Jackson School District鈥檚 wheelchair basketball
MASSILLON, Ohio — The Jackson School District’s wheelchair basketball program would get most anyone to stand up and notice. For first-year head coach Blake Dickson, it brings a smile to his face, not a scowl like those who may coach in other arenas. While not a sanctioned Ohio High School Athletic Association sport, wheelchair basketball in the district is part of the school’s overall athletic department program and comes under the banner of Ohio Interscholastic Adaptive Sports.
“The program is open to Jackson students grades 1 through 12,” said Dickson, himself a Jackson High graduate in 2001, who has served five years as an assistant football coach to head coach Jay Rohr. “Only 15 can be on the roster, and only five players can be non-disabled.” Dickson, an intervention specialist at the school, notes there are 15 wheelchair teams, including ones from Perry, GlenOak, and one starting at North Canton Hoover. Wooster has a well-established program, while others are fielded at Austintown Fitch and in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas.
The contests are a cross between compassion and competitiveness, though Dickson says the participants are all about being competitive on the floor. They don’t want your sympathy.
“Overall, it’s good for these kids to have a platform and to be able to compete with their peers and represent their community. And I think here in Jackson, we have done a wonderful job of that.”
Only three players can score up to six points in wheelchair hoops. Sophomore Abby LaPole has been a standout who also competes in ice hockey. Dickson calls her ‘the most competitive person I’ve met.’ Like any basketball game, the goal is to win, and the ultimate team goal is a state title. Parents have also been supportive of the program and the effort put forth.
“The parents have been terrific in their support,” Dickson added. “They appreciate what we offer and the platform we’ve created for kids.”
One player the coach mentioned suffered from having such brittle bones that even a cough could result in bone fractures. Still, he wanted to play. “He told me my arms are fine. I can play,” said the coach. When the Jackson team travels to play, they do so with 13 wheelchairs and two buses. “As a coach, you find yourself smiling more than most coaches do,” Dickson said. “Being around them, I feel like they can take on anything.”
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