Thornton Academy’s Wyatt LeBlanc has made quite a name for himself in the TA athletic community.

LeBlanc has been a key member of the boys lacrosse team in the spring, and is a captain of the football team during the fall.

Last year, LeBlanc decided to pick up a third sport for the winter season: Unified basketball.

Unified basketball is a fast-growing sport in Maine, made up of teams consisting of athletes with disabilities and partners without disabilities. 

LeBlanc has been a partner since Thornton’s inaugural season last year, and has been enjoying every minute of it so far.

I caught up with LeBlanc after TA’s 56-48 loss to visiting Westbrook on Thursday, talking to him about the team, his role, and breaking down barriers in the TA community.

Here is the complete interview:

AS: What made you want to join the team and get involved?

WL: Our athletic director Mr. (Gary) Stevens went up to me and said, “hey we’re starting up a unified team and it’s a great way to give back to some of the special needs kids in the school.” I was like yea I would love to, I thought it was a great idea and it’s really been a nice thing to do.

AS: How has it been getting to know some of the athletes in the last two years?

WL: There’s one girl who’s not here today, Mariam (Rasheed), she’s always a ball of energy. Zach Lehigh will sit on the bench and count the points and cheer for the other team. These kids are so much fun and getting to know them is awesome.

AS: How’s it been working with the other partners knowing that you’re all kind of in it for the same reason?

WL: Yea, we all know that it’s not about winning, it’s about the experience for these kids. We realize it’s something bigger than ourselves.

AS: On the court, have you seen a progression in the team, specifically with the athletes?

WL: Absolutely, last year we went 0-8 and we lost to Westbrook by I think 40. This year we’re 2-3 and lost to Westbrook by eight. Everyone is really improving.

AS: Have you also seen a development with the support? Has it been a little more crowded?

WL: Yea, last year I think we only had one game that fans went to but now every home game this year has been a pretty sizable crowd compared to last year.

AS: What would you say the goal is for the team for the rest of the year?

WL: Coach (Kristy) Kendrick always says that it’s not about winning or losing. There’s always going to be a winner, there’s always going to be a loser, we’re here to have fun and to hopefully give these kids a good time.

AS: What would you say has been the best part about joining the team?

WL: Just the kids’ reactions when they score. Zach will jump up and down, we had a player last year named Mary who scored and saw her parents in the crowd so she flexed. Just the kids, they’re really fun.

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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