Muscular Disability Won’t Defeat Nowata Sophomore

By Kyle Dierking, NewsOn6.com

NOWATA, OK -- He catches the ball and takes a bounce. Coaxed with concentration, he puts the ball into the basket. It's another tale to add to Trenton Weirather's triumph.

"The kids thrive off of it," said Nowata basketball coach Tommy Nolan. "He brings a lot of energy to our guys and they really play hard. A lot of it we dedicate to Trenton."

The Nowata sophomore's imprint is inspirational. Trenton is a special needs child with a muscular disability. What's miraculous is his athleticism. He couldn't walk until he was four years old.

"Everybody's friends with him - he doesn't have any enemies," said Nowata basketball player Will Maddux. "He's just Trenton."

And he's just one of the guys. Trenton's a fan favorite, friend to teammates and was a member of this year's homecoming court.

"He's a part of us," Nolan said. "Everywhere we go, it's ‘where's Trenton' as far as practices and games go. He's become part of this team and this group of guys."

"Any time you see him he's always got a smile on his face," said Nowata basketball player Skyler Fanning. "He's always ready to cheer you up no matter what you're going through."

His great spirit has earned him playing time. Trenton has appeared in some junior varsity games, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the gym.

"It made me happy," Trenton said. "After they passed me the ball, I shot the lay-up."

"He got in there and scored on his first shot," Nolan said. "Just the excitement in the crowd - everybody erupted and to see his face, his parents and everything - it was a moment that will stay with me for a long time."

"After the game (was) over I (got) my picture taken with coach Nolan...with my camera," Trenton said.

It's another image of Trenton's hope and heroism.

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