MIDDLETOWN–It was a big day for the Weslyan University Cardinals this past weekend.
On Saturday, the football team welcomed its newest member: 10-year-old Michael.
Michael, who lives in Cromwell, comes from Team IMPACT, which focuses on improving quality of life for kids with life-threatening and chronic illnesses by matching them up with teams for spirit.
Michael was born with an immune dysfunction and is blind in one eye; has cardiac issues; scoliosis; developmental delays and cognitive impairments. He’s also prone to illnesses due to the immune issues. He didn’t start to speak until he was 4 1/2, and didn’t take his first steps until 2 1/2.
Wesleyan’s leadership group, including seniors Ike Fuchs, Shane Jenkins and Jordan Stone, juniors Jake Cronin and Khephren Spigner, and sophomores Ryan Earle and Isaiah Thomas, worked together to come up with the idea to draft Michael before the team’s intrasquad scrimmage.
Michael got the chance to run through a tunnel made up by players, which ended at the 50-yard line with head coach Dan DiCenzo waiting for him. Michael was also given his own jersey and hat after being named the team’s number one draft pick.
Michael’s shining moment came near the end of the scrimmage, when he was picked for a play and scored a touchdown.
Check out his huge score:
