The Baarman Award is given to a student who has overcome a challenge and made an impact in the sport(s) he or she participated in.  This year's Baarman Award Winner is Mason Werdon!

Mason has made a huge impact at Grand Rapids Christian.  We could not have imagined that the Unified program has become what it is, and we definitely can’t imagine what it would have been like without you. 

From Head Coach Tim Muller:
Mason was always very calm off the court, at practice, and even in pre-game warm ups.  But once he hit the floor he was a pure entertainer.  After every one of his crafty left-handed made baskets he loved the reaction from the crowd with a chest thumping or a fist-pump in the air. 

However, the most memorable moment was at an away game with Northpointe Christian.  Mason had made a basket and just as we were about to pump up the crowd he saw his Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Inclusion Aid, Kathy Glass, standing by the gym entrance.  He ran over to the door, hugged her, and started to have a full conversation with her.  No matter that there was a game going on and we were playing four versus five on the court! Mason continued to just chew the fat with Kathy for a couple more of possessions.  A pure magical moment again representing his choice of what was most important to him in life.

From Inclusion Coordinator Mrs. Meekhof:
Mason has always been known and loved by his class. Once he began to participate in Unified it was great to see him grow and students who didn't know him talk to him in the hallway or celebrate his basketball accomplishments. Genuine friendships with Jack Dietz and Alex Williams in addition to several staff like Coach Sundberg are a gift to both Mason and all of us.

From Athletic Director Jason Heerema
Seeing Mason look for his parents and grandparents in the stands at games was great, giving a thumbs up to them as he ran down the court. I’ve often said, Mason, that Unified may be the best thing we do in athletics, and he stands at the center of that experience.

Congratulations Mason Werdon on your Baarman Award!