Courtney Meyer
In August, 2009, five MSU students received recognition from the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame for their admirable accomplishments and activities. Each student has removed the \dis-" from disability, and shown others that they will not be stopped by the challenges at hand.
Having honored nearly 100 athletes since its establishment in 1999, the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame is composed of individuals who share a passion for life and a dedication to inspire others through their words, actions, and giving back to the greater community. All recognized men and women have overcome physical challenges to become both elite athletes and superior role models. In 2009, the Hall of Fame was formally established as a subsidiary of the education, outreach, and advocacy organization Easter Seals in Michigan, and renamed as the Athletes with Disabilities Network. The organization, which seeks to promote a better quality of life for athletes with physical disabilities, coordinates the international Extremity Games. In the summer of 2008, a Hall of Fame scholarship was established to support athletes with disabilities at Michigan State University. The 2009 recipients participate in a range of activities both competitively and in a more comfortable club setting.
A senior from Montrose, Michigan, Brooke Ketchum is completing degrees in Animal Science and Kinesiology. Brooke, who became a paraplegic after a motor vehicle accident at a young age, always loved to ride horses, and continues to do so in a customized saddle despite her disability. Competing on the American Paint Horse Circuit and showing in Western Pleasure and Showmanship has given her confidence, and shown competitors without disabilities that she refuses to limit herself. "When I showed on the Pinto Horse Association circuit my horse and I were the #1 Ideal Pinto Western Horse for the country in 2004; we were also top 10 in other categories." She also enjoys playing tennis.
Amanda Gretka is a junior from Lincoln Park, Michigan, studying Kinesiology. As a student who is legally blind and wears hearing aids, began playing sports in elementary school on teams specifically designed for children with disabilities. She has been involved in goalball tournaments, played soccer and baseball, and has learned to ride a unicycle for leisure. She holds the rank of green belt in Soo Bahk Do, a form of Korean martial arts, was part of a JROTC program in high school, and is part of the Adapted Sports Club at Michigan State. She believes that playing sports in a fair setting is important, and appreciates that "sports help others see that I can still participate in anything I wish to despite a disability."
A participant in the Adapted Sports Club and wheelchair basketball player from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Tony Rennpage is a junior majoring in Parks and Recreation.
Peter McCubbin plays competitive goalball, runs, performs martial arts, and participates in the Adapted Sports Club. Studying Psychology, this Michigan State University junior hails from Grand Ledge, Michigan.
Joe Stramondo calls the town of Wolcott, Connecticut home, and is a doctoral student who plays wheelchair rugby, also known as murder ball, when he is not focused on studying Philosophy.
Each student, though overcoming challenges in sight or movement, has no limit in their drive to succeed. Their participation in sports displays their courage, confidence, and passion, and has positively shaped the way they and others see themselves. While recognition from the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame is financially beneficial, it also serves the purpose of advertising to others that they have broken stereotypes to participate in activities that many may consider unfathomable.