by Deborah Kevin, founder of the Dear JoePa Project and Highlander Press
Saturday night, in a chandeliered ballroom of the Nittany Lion Inn, something quietly revolutionary happened.
While stories from Joe Paterno’s storied 1966 recruiting class flowed with ease and humor—Hall of Famer Lydell Mitchell, Chuck Burkhart, Moose Koegel, and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Mike Reid shared laughter, legacy, and lessons—the night’s true heartbeat belonged to a new generation of Penn Staters. A generation of athletes whose names you might not know yet, but whose courage and grit are writing the next chapter of Penn State history.
We gathered to celebrate Penn State’s 2025 Adaptive Sports recruiting class, and what a celebration it was. Hosted with grace and generosity by Sue Paterno and Dana Harris, the evening radiated a sense of belonging, hope, and powerful momentum. The atmosphere crackled with possibility.
But nothing compared to the moment when five of the seven incoming adaptive student-athletes were introduced: Jack Cunningham, Max Malec, Angel Guzman, Esther-Faith Henn, and Chris Moore. Each one of them walked, wheeled, or glided into the room not looking for sympathy—but exuding strength, character, and an undeniable presence.
Jack Cunningham, a runner whose legs may be powered by a blade but whose voice is laced with fire and humility, spoke first. He spoke not about his challenges, but about his gratitude—to the coaches who saw him, to the teammates who welcomed him, and to the school that dared to dream differently.
Then came Max Malec, a sled hockey player with a quick wit, an infectious smile, and a presence that commanded the room. His words—grounded in resilience and punctuated with humor—reminded us all that elite athleticism isn’t confined to one body type, ability, or playing field. It lives in spirit. In determination. In heart.
And these kids? Their hearts are enormous.
Angel Guzman’s quiet confidence filled the room. Esther-Faith Henn radiated grace and grit in equal measure. Chris Moore, with the kind of composure usually reserved for seasoned athletes, reminded us all that leadership has nothing to do with age. Though Lucas Resch and Lee Asher couldn’t attend, their names were spoken with pride, their presence deeply felt. This team—this family—is whole.
These young athletes have weathered surgeries and setbacks. They’ve endured stares and stereotypes. They’ve fought for resources, for representation, and for recognition. And yet, here they are—donning blue and white, holding their heads high, ready to wear the Nittany Lion on their chests and compete not just for victory, but for visibility.
This isn’t about tokenism. This is about talent.
Penn State’s Adaptive Sports Program is more than inclusive—it’s competitive, collegiate-level athletics. These athletes train as hard as anyone on the field. They sweat, sacrifice, and strive. And like generations of Penn State athletes before them, they dream big.
Some have set their sights on the 2026 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. That’s not just a goal—it’s a mission. And they’re not going alone. They’re carrying the hopes of a campus, a community, and a country that is finally beginning to understand that “ability” is a spectrum—and excellence knows no limits.
But make no mistake: This mission isn’t cheap.
Adaptive equipment is costly. A racing wheelchair, a custom hockey sled, a specialized prosthetic—they’re not one-size-fits-all. They’re tailored to each athlete’s body and sport. And they need regular maintenance, updates, and travel support. Every dollar raised directly impacts an athlete’s ability to compete safely and effectively. These aren’t luxury items; they’re the essential gear of dreams.
That’s where you come in.
If you’ve ever chanted “We Are” with pride swelling in your chest…
If you’ve ever believed in the power of sports to transform lives…
If you know what it feels like to root for the underdog and watch them rise…
Text PENNSTATE to 44-321 today and donate. However big or small, your gift helps these remarkable young athletes continue to train, to play, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Because this isn’t just about athletics. It’s about belonging. It’s about showing the world that courage isn’t measured in medals, but in the willingness to show up, again and again, when the odds are stacked against you. It’s about understanding that inclusion isn’t charity—it’s justice.
Mike Reid closed the night by performing a song he wrote for Joe Paterno’s 50th anniversary as head coach, a piece so moving it left me in tears the first time I heard it—and again Saturday night. His music, like this moment, echoes a deeper truth: Legacy is not just what we leave behind. It’s what we choose to lift up.
Let’s lift up these athletes. Let’s cheer for them with the same ferocity we’ve given our football heroes. Let’s give them what they need to succeed.
Because in them, the spirit of Penn State burns bright.
Follow Rise Above, Friends of Adaptive Athletics PSU on Facebook and Instagram, and Penn State Adaptive Athletics on Facebook and Instagram to stay abreast of all the excitement these athletes are bringing to our community.
One Response
Deborah Kevin, your words are perfect. You have captured the evening, the understanding of the adaptive sports world, the movement in a few short paragraphs. Fabulous article.