Super Monday Week 10 SY26

SUPER MONDAY

A motivational and informational morning message from Superintendent Willis

Week 10 ~ October 13th, 2025

Super Monday Message

Jason McElwain grew up near Rochester, New York. As an autistic student he had his struggles in school socially and academically. Jason loved all sports, but was particularly fond of basketball. As a freshman in high school in 2003 Jason didn’t make the basketball team, but coach Jim Johnson appointed him the team manager. He attended practices and games and helped everywhere he could. The team took the “J” from his first name and the “Mc” from his last name and started calling him J-Mac. The nickname stuck with everyone and Jason liked it.

February 15th, 2006 was the senior night game for the basketball team. J-Mac had been with the team for every game and practice just like the other seniors. Coach Johnson wanted to do something special for J-Mac. He decided that for senior night he would include J-Mac on the roster and give him a jersey. The coach told him he couldn’t promise that he would play, but if the opportunity came, he would put him in. The whole student body was excited that there was a chance J-Mac could play in a game. Students made cardboard cutouts of his head and posters for him.

About halfway through the fourth quarter it seemed the game was put away. Coach Johnson’s team was up 20 points and so he called for J-Mac to enter the game with 4 minutes and 19 seconds left. The crowd jumped to their feet, excited that he got to play and ready to go crazy if he scored. Immediately the team made every effort to get J-Mac an open shot. The first attempt was a complete airball and the second attempt also missed. Coach Johnson silently prayed on the bench that there would be an opportunity for him to score.

With 3 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game J-Mac caught the ball on the wing with a defender in front of him and shot a long three point shot. The shot went in and the crowd went crazy. The crowd barely had time to stop jumping up and down when J-Mac hit another three from the corner. The team kept giving the ball to J-Mac and he kept hitting shots. With 3 seconds remaining J-Mac shot a deep three that went in perfectly without touching the rim.

As the clock expired the students and fans rushed the court and put J-Mac on their shoulders. He finished the game with 20 points, all scored in the last 3 minutes and 12 seconds. While the students celebrated, Coach Johnson and the other adults who knew J-Mac wiped away tears.

The game video was sent to ESPN and they showed several clips from the end of the game. Immediately the McElwain family phones got very busy. President Bush made a special stop in New York to meet J-Mac and congratulate him. Payton Manning also made a trip to New York to meet J-Mac. Other celebrities invited him to meet them. J-Mac appeared on Larry King Live, Good Morning America, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Each year sports experts and writers get together to pick winners for the Best Athlete, Best Athletic Team, Best Coach, Etc. One of their annual awards is the best moment in sports for the year. In 2006 Jason McElwain was awarded an ESPY for the best moment in sports. The runner-up was Kobe Bryant’s 81 point game.

 We all have hidden potential just waiting for opportunities. We need to make sure we give others opportunities to show their potential and make sure we take our opportunities. Coach Johnson’s simple decision to do something nice for a faithful manager turned into an inspirational story for the nation. The little things we do may not get that much attention, but they can be equally important. Have the best week 10.

Super High Fives

Just a couple of the awesome recent accomplishments that need a big thank you.

• A super high five to the baseball team for a great season. Super high fives to the seniors: Blake Dalton, Brodee Montague, Nash Fautin, Braige Beus, Brayan Lucero, and Braige Millett. Super high fives to great coaches, parents, and fans. The team was super gritty and played great in the tournament. We’re excited for all they accomplished this season.
• A super high five to Morgan Hoyt for keeping an active FFA program on the move. The program is strong and creates great opportunities for students. We’re grateful for Mr. Hoyt’s efforts.

Other Super Information

• Fall Sports Calendar 2025
  • Link to subscribe to PHS Sports Calendar
• 2025-2026 School District Calendar

Super Weekly Schedule