Wheelchair Basketball 2014

Zachary Kischnick

 

 

Bridget Bator ’14

Staff Writer

 

On January 7th earlier this year, the Kischnick family of Frankenmuth lost a very dear member of their family. Zach Kischnick, a vibrant 18 year-old with cerebral palsy, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Joe Jacobs, the new head coach of our Nouvel boys’ varsity basketball team, coached JV basketball at Frankenmuth last year and knew the Kischnick family well since he coached Zach’s brother Mitchell. When Jacobs heard about Zach, he immediately contacted the Kischnick family to see what he could do to help. On Sunday, February 16th at 4 p.m., Zachary was honored by one of his favorite activities, wheelchair basketball. The varsity boys’ basketball teams of Nouvel and Frankenmuth combined to take on a Special Olympics team. Organized by Joe Jacobs, the event included raffle tables and an amigo race during half time. Earlier in the week, mothers of Nouvel basketball players sold baked goods and T-Shirts to raise money for the event.

At the game, students were given a raffle ticket upon entry for a chance to win one of many donated gift cards after each quarter. Raffle tickets for $5 each or 3 for $10 could be purchased and entered to win one of many prizes. Raffle items included spa days, giftcards to various restaurants, and tickets to a Tigers’ game. During halftime for one dollar, anyone could try his or her luck at a half court shot for a chance to win a 50/50 prize. In a touching final round, Mitchell helped his sister and Zach’s twin Elizabeth make her shot. Our very own Tyler Jacqmain won the prize and, with a generous heart, donated the prize money right back to the Kischnick family. The main 50/50 prize of $200 was also donated back. To bet on who would take on Coach Jacobs in the amigo race, Mitchell Kischnick along with two other Frankenmuth coaches ran around the gym collecting donations. For the amigo race alone, over $300 was raised in just 5 minutes and Mitchell was victorious. For a special honor, State Representative Tim Kelly presented an official state certificate recognizing the Special Olympics basketball team that competed at the game. Although the combined team of Frankenmuth and Nouvel varsity players lost by a quite a large margin, many of the players wheeled around with smiles on their faces. At the end of the game, Coach Jacobs announced that over $11,000 was raised for the Kischnick family. Thank you Nouvel for your generous donations and dedication to the cause! Through events like these, Zach’s memory will live on.

 

Link to ABC 12’s news coverage of the game:

http://www.abc12.com/video?clipId=9847651&autostart=true

 

 

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