Biggest win of all

Technically, the St. Peter's Panthers didn't win a game. But in the grand scheme, this senior boys high school basketball team is more than a champion.


In a season that will forever be remembered for what happened beyond the boxscore, the Panthers have nothing to be ashamed about and everything to be proud of.
And Chris Ironside's bright smile stretches across the county today because of it.

The campaign started with question marks for the Panthers, who didn't have a coach, and thus, were in danger of not having a season.

But in came Lee Rogers and Norm Susil, the former a teacher at the school, the latter an outside volunteer. They stepped in to coach the team, and effectively saved the season.

Little did they know, at the time, that their first season at the helm would be so special — a lesson in life's small wonders.

Chris has Down syndrome.

As the Panthers so rightly recognized, he also has every right to be included.

So the 16-year-old, who lives and breathes hoops, joined the Panthers squad as a helper upon the suggestion of Erin O'Brien, a special needs teacher at the south-end high school.
And without question, Chris was their star from the opening-day tip-off, a personal boost and a rallying point for everyone involved.

The Panthers included him in every game, every practice, every conversation. Everything.

Just like everyone else, Chris arrived at the gym at 6:30 a.m. for practices on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The team even centred a drill — The Chris Drill — around their enthusiastic teammate.

Chris filled water bottles during games. He cheered wildly for his teammates on the court.

"Anything they're doing, they've included him. More than just on the court," said Rogers, noting many of the team's players have known their friend and teammate for years, having grown up with him at neighbouring Pope John Paul II Catholic School.

Chris was a big part of the team all season long, despite never seeing any game action.

That changed last Thursday when Rogers tapped the young athlete on the shoulder during the Panthers' final regular-season home game against the Innisdale Invaders and told him to hit the hardcourt.
The idea to give Chris playing time in a league game came not only from the coaching staff, but also the players.

"He was so excited," Rogers said. "Really, I can go in?"

Both teams slowed the pace, the referees put their whistles away for a few minutes, the crowd — including proud mom, Laura, as well as Chris' grandfather — threw their unwavering support behind him.

Chris, a free-throw specialist and genuine crowd-pleaser, nailed three baskets from the foul line.

"He was so excited, he could barely contain himself," Rogers said. "And (everyone else on the court) was pumped they could be a part of it."

It might have been a small touch, but for those who were witness to it, the moment was remarkable — the kind you wish you could bottle.

"It was a moment they're going to remember for the rest of their lives," Rogers said. "And there's a definite lesson for the students involved.

"They have taken a lot away from it."

The Panthers were ousted from the playoffs on Monday afternoon, but not before giving Chris another chance to shine in the limelight.

He enjoyed a few more minutes of game action against the St. Joseph's Jaguars, who, like the Invaders, were equally accommodating, and just as excited.

Again, Chris scored a few more baskets.
Again, the crowd roared.

Again, Chris was the man of the hour.

"He was working his magic," Rogers said. "It was a great way to end the season."

It was a season that may not have come with a win, but it certainly was championship calibre.

Chris Ironside would surely agree.