Keeping their eyes on the ball

Published 10.28.2023

Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-Penn College News (unless otherwise noted)

News
Students
Faculty & Staff
Athletics
Community Involvement
Team members join Mason and family on the baseline after Friday's practice.
Team members join Mason and family on the baseline after Friday's practice.

In collaboration with North Central Sight Services and in solidarity with their new teammate, Mason Chapman, the Penn College men's basketball team observed Blindness Awareness Month on Friday evening.

At the close of their practice, players put on blindfolds for a dribbling drill to experience what it would be like to play without sight.

"Vision unfortunately is something that, once it is lost, you cannot get back. It is also something that most people take for granted on a daily basis," said Megan E. Rogers, Mason's mother and a college employee.

"I think that this is a great opportunity to spread awareness across campus and also educate students, faculty and staff on how important it is to keep up with eye care and vision screenings. I am very grateful the team was willing to step into Mason’s world, and I think it is so awesome of them to help spread awareness!"

Friday's collaboration – fulfilling the designated goals of education, inspiration and advocacy – included vision screenings for team members, courtesy of NCSS' Noah Mantione, programs and services director, and Katie Coffey, marketing manager. Mason is a client at the Reach Road-based agency, and staff was excited to acknowledge his new venture as a Wildcat.

Players affix their blindfolds for an exercise in empathy.
Players affix their blindfolds for an exercise in empathy.
Guided by teammate Isaiah M. Stull, Christian A. Chandler tries his hand at compromised ball control. Stull, of Kingston, is pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences; Chandler is an engineering design technology student from Norfolk, Va.
Guided by teammate Isaiah M. Stull, Christian A. Chandler tries his hand at compromised ball control. Stull, of Kingston, is pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences; Chandler is an engineering design technology student from Norfolk, Va.
 Mantione goes over the screening results with student-athlete Ronn Flood Jr., of Union, N.J., majoring in business administration.
Mantione goes over the screening results with student-athlete Ronn Flood Jr., of Union, N.J., majoring in business administration.
Eyewitness News' Iyee Jagne sets up her camera for an interview that will air as part of WBRE/WYOU's "Here's to You, Kid!" feature.
Eyewitness News' Iyee Jagne sets up her camera for an interview that will air as part of WBRE/WYOU's "Here's to You, Kid!" feature.
Mason has fun with players and coach Geoff B. Hensley (right).
Mason has fun with players and coach Geoff B. Hensley (right).
At 6 feet, 9 inches, Michael R. Woolridge provides the lift you'd need to shorten the distance to the hoop! (Photo by Katie Coffey)
At 6 feet, 9 inches, Michael R. Woolridge provides the lift you'd need to shorten the distance to the hoop! (Photo by Katie Coffey)
Mason's brother, Christopher, goes one-on-one against Gavin P. Barrett, a business administration student from Roselle, N.J.
Mason's brother, Christopher, goes one-on-one against Gavin P. Barrett, a business administration student from Roselle, N.J.
On the eve of one of their final scrimmages before the season begins next month, players changed from their practice jerseys to white-ribbon "MASONSTRONG" T-shirts.
On the eve of one of their final scrimmages before the season begins next month, players changed from their practice jerseys to white-ribbon "MASONSTRONG" T-shirts.
Getting ready to pass to a Wildcat teammate (Photo by Katie Coffey)
Getting ready to pass to a Wildcat teammate (Photo by Katie Coffey)
As Mason and Hensley work out in the midcourt background, Jagne gets a player's perspective from Ahmir N. Ellzy, of Williamsport.
As Mason and Hensley work out in the midcourt background, Jagne gets a player's perspective from Ahmir N. Ellzy, of Williamsport.
With their newest Wildcat in the middle, everyone – including the coach's son – joins in a spirited huddle.
With their newest Wildcat in the middle, everyone – including the coach's son – joins in a spirited huddle.
The action continues off-court, long after the practice ends.
The action continues off-court, long after the practice ends.