Hiram – Roughly 50 men and women, mostly student athletes and coaches at Hiram College, gathered last Saturday morning to welcome another, albeit considerably younger, athlete to their ranks. That’s when Julian Zimmerman of Twinsburg became an official Hiram College Terrier teammate during this special draft day ceremony hosted by Hiram College and national nonprofit Team IMPACT.
The team room was filled to capacity with athletes, students, and coaches, who all clapped as Julian and his family entered. As Julian took his seat at a table at the front of the room, he joined Hiram College’s Head Mens Lacrosse Coach Brian Jenkins and Assistant Coach Josh Howell. Coach Jenkins thanked those gathered for the “unbelievable turnout,” and shared he was, “so happy to have Julian sign his letter of intent for the 2020 season.” He went on to share how having Julian join his team will help build camaraderie and promote resilience, some of the values espoused by Team Impact.
Prior to signing his official letter of intent, Julian’s new teammates presented him with a jersey emblazoned with number 23 — Julian’s favorite number — and complete with his name on the back. Julian also received a Hiram Lacrosse ball cap and an illustrated schedule signed by every member of the team. According to the terms of his letter, which welcomed Julian to the Terrier community, he committed to participating in team activities, cheering for his new team, “and most importantly, having fun.” In a brief statement, Julian shared, “I can’t wait to get to know everybody — I can’t wait to have a season of fun!” Coach Jenkins concluded the ceremony by thanking Julian’s family for giving he and his team the special privilege. He expressed gratitude for Team Impact, and for Coach Howell who brought the idea to Hiram College.
At the end of the ceremony, teammates led Julian and everyone in attendance to participate in a special tradition. They shared that at the end of a big game, Terrier athletes gather outside the field house, while the game’s MVP rings the bell. The day’s MVP, Julian, was held aloft by his new teammates; he rang the bell as a winning smile lit his face.
Julian was born with Marfan Syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects connective tissue. The most commonly affected areas include the heart, lungs, eyes, bones and the covering of the spinal cord; as a result, strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Team Impact’s mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Through their program, each child joins an athletic team and the student athletes join the child’s support team. Throughout the journey, the child gains strength, camaraderie and support while the student athletes experience lessons of?courage, resiliency and perspective they can’t learn in a classroom.
Assistant Coach Howell became familiar with Team Impact at school in Michigan. “They have great benefits to team,” he explained. “Sometimes we get too caught up in wins and losses, when at the end of the day, it’s just a game,” Howell acknowledged. “Team impact gives athletes the chance to share some of the benefits of sports, like teamwork and camaraderie, with kids who might not be able to experience it.”
Hiram seniors and lacrosse teammates Hunter Jenkins and Horace Johnson were excited to personally welcome Julian to their team. “Julian brings a new perspective and new life to the team,” Johnson shared. “He gives us a greater purpose,” Hiram’s Male Athlete of the Year continued. “He’s brought more joy and life to campus, with all the possibilities that can happen this season, “ he concluded. The lacrosse season officially begins on February 22nd and runs through the end of April. To see the team’s complete schedule, click the lacrosse tab on the Hiram.edu Athletics page.
Julian, who visited and toured Hiram several weeks prior, was joined that day by siblings, Miles (age 11), Ruby (age 4), three-year-old Eliza, and parents Maya Brown-Zimmerman and Mark Zimmerman. He admitted to being, “Very surprised…I wasn’t expecting such a big crowd.” Older brother, Miles added proudly, “I’m not surprised, you’ve been special all along.”
As Julian shared details of his new favorite sport with his brother, their mom explained how this new opportunity came to be. When she learned about the program last fall, and shared it with Julian, he was thrilled. She explained, he said it was, “the best thing ever — please sign me up!” She shared that Julian has exchanged emails with Coach Josh and several new teammates who have sent digital player cards sharing stats like name, class, position, and fun facts like favorite super hero and food. “He’s looking forward to being part of the team,” she added. As Julian looked over the autographed schedule and reviewed the morning’s activities, he added, “this is something that will be stored in my head forever.” Julian and his family plan to attend the first home game on Saturday.
Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit that connects children facing serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. Since 2011, Team IMPACT has matched over 2,000 children with more than 700 colleges and universities in 48 states, reaching over 55,000 participating student athletes. Other participating Ohio colleges include Kent State University, the University of Dayton, and Wright State; for more information visit?www.teamimpact.org.
Hiram College is one of the nations most respected liberal arts institutions; recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly. Visit?www.hiram.edu for more information.
