Oberlin, Ohio – On Wednesday, January 6, the Oberlin College men's basketball team officially signed its newest player, adding soon-to-be 10-year old Nevan Markling to the roster.
"We are really excited to add Nevan to our program," Head Coach
Isaiah Cavaco said. "He is a special person that will help our team grow both on and off the court. Our team will learn a lot from him and his never give up attitude."
Markling, who turns 10 on Saturday, January 9, is a native of Lakewood, Ohio. He was "drafted" by the Yeomen through Team IMPACT, which is a non-profit organization designed to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses. One of its missions is to give those children an opportunity to experience a team atmosphere and have some fun.
At 11 months, Markling was diagnosed with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q) and has undergone countless medical procedures, including 12 surgeries, in his lifetime so far. 22q is a disorder caused by a small missing piece of the 22nd chromosome. This tiny missing portion of chromosome 22 can affect every system in the human body. 22q can be the cause of nearly 200 mild to serious health and developmental issues in children.
22q has brought on many hardships for Markling, but has not slowed down his love for playing sports.
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said, "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up."
For Markling, Lombardi's famous quote is more than mere motivational words of wisdom; the quote characterizes Markling's life.
"While we all face adversity in our lives, how you respond to adversity demonstrates your true character," said Markling's father, Matt Markling. "Whenever Nevan is knocked down, he always gets up with newfound perseverance."
Markling's mother, Katie Markling, added that, "Nevan serves as a role model and inspiration to his father and me every day."
At the event, Nevan was presented with his new team gear, which included a full uniform, shoes and travel sweats. He also enjoyed some of his favorite foods while getting to learn more about his new teammates.
"Our team is very excited to add a new member to our family," junior guard
Scott Miller said. "We would like to thank Team IMPACT for putting us in touch with Nevan and his family. The bond with him and the team will be special, and personally, I have a 9-year old brother back home and know how fun children that age can be. I can't wait to hang out with Nevan."
"We are honored to have Nevan join the men's basketball team," Delta Lodge Director of Athletics
Natalie Winkelfoos said. "This experience is a privilege for us. I am thankful we have aligned ourselves with such an incredible organization like Team IMPACT."
The evening ended with Nevan and his teammates cheering on the women's basketball team against Kenyon.
While Markling's grandfather, Dr. Richard Trethewey, was a renowned professor of economics at Kenyon College, Markling and his parents, proudly proclaimed before the game, "Go Oberlin! Beat Kenyon!"
About Team IMPACT
- Team IMPACT is national organization, based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
- Team IMPACT children are drafted on to college athletic teams, local to where they live and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation.
- Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 800 children with collegiate teams at over 300 institutions in 43 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 25,000 student athletes.
- Team IMPACT is actively looking for more children to participate in the program. Do you know of a child ages 5-15 who could use a social or psychological boost and would benefit from the support and camaraderie that comes from being a part of a team? Refer them to Team IMPACT! Visit
http://www.GoTeamIMPACT.org to learn more.
