SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Saturday, the Shepherd University Rams Football Team held their annual media day ahead of the start of the 2017 season.
After the team captains were revealed and head coach Monte Cater spoke to the alumni and media in attendance, there was a surprise ceremony for a special member of the Rams family.
12-year-old Jason Bednarski of Martinsburg signed his national letter of intent, committing to Shepherd University. Bednarski was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy five years ago and his dream of joining the Shepherd Rams football was made possible by the partnership between Shepherd University and TEAM Impact.
TEAM Impact is a nonprofit that allows kids to build relationships with athletic teams and athletes.
Shepherd University Athletic Director Chauncey Winbush said member of the football team were excited to have Jason join their locker room.
“Student Athletes, when they heard about it, they were just ecstatic and we had 25 guys immediately ask how can I be apart,” said Winbush. “I don’t just Jason has stopped smiling today and that’s what it’s all about.”
Bednarski’s parents, Brian and Jennifer, joined Jason at the ceremony where he signed the dotted line surrounded by coach Cater and the football team captains. Jason accompanied the team throughout the day and led the Rams on the field for their intrasquad scrimmage later than afternoon.