By Aimable Rutayisire, Sports Editor
The Newman University men’s basketball team officially welcomed 10-year-old Ryker Ammons to the program at an event last week that was attended by the whole team and members of the local media.
Ryker is battling a chronic illness called gastroschisis, also known as short bowel syndrome. The disease prevents the body from absorbing enough fluids and nutrients from foods, meaning that Ryker must be attached to IVs for 14 hours a day.
The Ammons family and Newman put the event together through a partnership with Team IMPACT, a national non-profit that connects children battling chronic illnesses with college athletic teams. The signing happened in Fugate Gymnasium on Nov. 6 and was attended by the Ammons family, the team, the coaching staff and students and faculty who came to watch.
Ryker is a big fan of basketball, his family said. It brings him a sense of normalcy and excitement. At the event, the boy’s smile radiated from the podium.
The event included a speech from Head Coach R.J. Allen, who welcomed Ryker onto the squad to an explosion of applause from the people gathered.
Allen told the crowd that Ryker’s signing made him the youngest signee in the history of the Jets program. Coverage of the story was shared across multiple media outlets, including KWCH Channel 12 news and The Wichita Eagle.
Team IMPACT partnered with Newman University because the two institutions share the same values, said Zach Brake, Newman’s Assistant Athletic Director.
“What makes Newman a fit for Team IMPACT is our dedication to service, helping others, and being involved in the community,” Brake said. “We think having Ryker around our team will have a positive impact on his life and on our athletes.”
In the future, Ryker will be invited to sit on the bench during games, join players on the court during practices and just hang out.
Brake said that the team is looking forward to having Ryker participate in practices and games whenever possible.
“We can’t wait for Ryker to join us this year,” said forward Terrell Wright, who during the event lifted Ryker up to the basket so that he could “dunk” the ball. “He’s going to be a great addition to the team.”
Ryker’s parents were deeply appreciative of the experience, Brake said.
“They were super excited for their son” he said. “They don’t want the spotlight on them; they just want it on Ryker.”
The event helped highlight Newman’s commitment to using sports as a way to build connection and compassion, Brake said.
“It helps us treat everyone as one, which is what we like to do at Newman,” he said.
PHOTO: Courtesy
