A Light in the Tunnel for the "Selfless" Hero

Back in the early 1900’s, sports journalism was built around the athlete and focusing solely on their “selfless” heroism. Now over a century later, this focus has slowly changed and that “selfless” athlete seems to be no more. Though, have those individuals become extinct in the sports world, or do the current voices of the mass media forget about them? Either way, once in awhile there is a reroute back to what this industry was based on and the “selfless” hero gets recognized.

ESPN College Game Day feature profiles typically consist of the unique story of a college athlete who has in one way or another impacted their teammates, fans, or sport. This week the unlikely hero was Kevin Laue, the 6-11 230lb Manhattan College sophomore center, who has seen time in 19 games this season and is one of the Jaspers’ top dunkers. Yes, current stars like Jared Sullinger give this performance every game. So what makes Laue a “selfless” hero and worthy of this feature you ask? Well in 2009, the California native became the first one handed scholarship Division I basketball player. 

Born with the umbilical cord wrapped twice around his neck and left arm, doctors were forced to amputate his hand and the rest is history. Laue put in the time proving his natural ability for the game and all he needed was a chance to take it to the next level.  Jaspers’ head coach, Barry Rohrssen, opened the door to that opportunity. “Kevin is a source of motivation for many people. We wanted him to understand that if we did give him a scholarship that that wasn’t the sealing. It was for him and countless other people,” said Rohrssen in the heartfelt three minute segment. He was correct.  Not only is Lure an inspiration to his teammates, but also to the Jaspers community.  Parents of children with one arm are encouraged by Laue and have continued to look to him for support.  

ESPN discovered Laue in 2009 when he received the scholarship to Manhattan College and  acknowledged his achievement on ESPN First Take. For them, it was a follow up story as Manhattan would face Marist College earlier today. For me, it was a breath of fresh air and an instance of great journalism. The journalists presented this story in a way that gave me a personal interest in watching the game.

At noon today, the Jaspers tipped off against the Red Foxes and won 60 - 59 on a buzzer beater half court shot by Michael Alvarado. With this example of remarkable journalism in mind, I couldn’t help but wonder, was this a coincidence or could this be a reminder to all of the sports world that the “selfless” hero truly is the heart and soul of this industry?