Sports/Autism Blog Crossover Special

Hey guys, this is the Sports-Autism Blog Crossover Special. I'll explain about Autism and sports interacting with each other.

Hey guys, I want you to check this video out about a staff member of a basketball team who is autistic but then gets a chance to play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZtU676jA_k

Also, an autistic lady sings the National Anthem before the Magics' home playoff games last year. Orlando considered her a "good luck charm."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6T33Ja_oFA

A Group of Autistic kids sing the National Anthem at a Marlins' game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keev1-aZI1w



Incredible! Last April for Autism Awareness month, I created my own teams for Utica College Intramural Sports and called my teams "Team Autism." I have had a lot of success in intramerial sports. Prior to last April, I have been a part of five intramural championship teams (Fall Softball, Dodgeball, B League Basketball, Flag Football, and Winter Softball.) I proved that I could be part of championship teams by being a role player. Now I was ready to take the next step. Not only do I create my own teams, but I call them Team Autism so championships can be delivered for Autism.

Our first game was indoor soccer in a single elimination tournament. The Sophomore Hockey guys, a couple of professors, and I formed a team. We felt confident going in.....we lost 11-1. Wasn't a great game but we still had fun.

In Floor Hockey, the Cafeteria guys and I formed Team Autism. I was the goalie in a double elimination tournament. We had our first intramural win in Team Autism History by defeating the Field Hockey girls 5-4. However, we lost our next two games and we were eliminated. It was still a fun experience.

Then, there was whiffleball. A six team, three round tournament. I had a good feeling in whiffleball because I have been playing whiffleball all my life with my family in Long Island.

I recruited some football coaches and my friends Jonathan Monfiletto, Matthew Galbraith, Ashley Van Patten, Ryan Mulligan, and Mary Insognia,

We were randomly selected to have a first round bye. In the semi-finals, we beat (I think the team was called) Jordan Jackson 5-1. Jake (one of the Football Coaches) was a beast on the mound. He was whiffleball's Sandy Koufax.

The championship game was a thriller. The game was scoreless in extra innings. runners on first and third (I believe), Ashley was up. She hit the ball to third. The infielder threw to second to try and get a force play. Ryan (who was on third) used the distraction to his advantage and ran to home, safe!! Ballgame! Team Autism wins in walk-off fashion to earn the Whiffleball intramural championship on April 30th, the last day of Autism Awareness Month. The sixth championship of my career but way more importantly, the first intramural championship in the history of Team Autism.

This semester, Team Autism was at it again. In a Double Elimination Flag Football Tournament, team Autism went 2-2 but were eliminated. The two teams we lost to were the teams that ended up facing each other in the Championship game. In Volleyball, we also went 2-2 but were eliminated.

In Wallyball, we had one victory due to a no-show (I WANT US TO EARN OUR WINS!!) but lost in the semi-finals. In basketball, we were technically 1-4 in a mini-season format but that one victory was because Aramark was disqualified since they used players that played for another team already. Competitively, we were 0-5 making us the only win-less team in B-League. Basketball was still a great time. Our players showed heart, never gave up and we all had some great times.

I was originally going to play with my staff buddies on the staff team since I didn't think I would get enough players for Team Autism. We won B-League together back in the Spring of my Freshman year. They got stacked since then with great players so they moved to the A-League. At the last second, I removed my name from the staff list and created a Team Autism team for basketball. The Staff Team went undefeated and won a playoff game. They are now playing in the Championship game on Wednesday. People say to me, "Hey AJ, you could've been a champion if you sticked with Staff instead of going 0-5 with Team Autism!"

True, but this is not about winning or about Championships. This is about having fun, making friends, and spreading Autism Awareness. I have no regrets. In fact, our most consistent player for Team Autism, Matthew Galbraith, is going to be my roommate next year because our friendship has become real strong since we played together for Team Autism in every sport. That's more important than winning championships.

Next semester, we have fun stuff planned. The Autism Awareness Club will be hosting a one night Volleyball tournament. Half of the money paid for by the teams to particiapte will be donated to the Kelberman Center (A school/home for Autistic Children and other types disabilities) and the other half goes to the winning team. For Winter Softball, I had a meeting with Coach Spartano, the Athletic Director, and he agreed to allow me to join the staff team (Same staff guys that we won B-League Basketball together) and call ourselves Team Autism. Usually the winning team of the Winter Softball tournament gets $300. If we win, we will donate the $300 to the Kelberman Center so the kids with disabilities can go on trips, have new programs added, etc. It will be the first time I will not be the Captain of a team called Team Autism. I like that! We gave Spartano a free Utica College Autism Awareness Club T-Shirt. Also, we have to defend our Whiffleball Championship in April.....and maybe do a better job in soccer.

I'm the Autistic Sports Nerd/Mr. Autism Awareness/AJ O'Hagan, have a good day guys!!