CARO, MI – Austin Bennett was going to star at running back for the Caro football team, then he was going to post up for the basketball team.
They were dreams of an eighth grader about to become a high schooler.
But life has a way of changing, as do dreams.
Bennett realized a high school dream Friday, dressing, starting and scoring the first basket for Caro in the Tigers’ 53-47 loss to Sandusky, knocking in his first attempt from his wheelchair to tie the game at 2-2.
“I was going to be a running back for Caro and a big for the basketball team, but God gave me a different opportunity to help these guys,” Bennett said. “I could have died in the accident. I’m super glad I’m here and helping out my friends any way that I can.”
Bennett, the youngest of three boys, was involved in a side-by-side vehicle crash in his front yard, ejecting him from the vehicle. He was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury at the T10 vertebra, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.
“He was really, really active in sports, and I wanted this to be part of his senior year, part of his memories,” Caro coach Dave Lester said. “It meant a lot to him. It meant a lot to this team. It was a great opportunity for him.”
Bennett was introduced as a starter. Sandusky won the tip and scored on a layup, with Caro bringing the ball upcourt and passing to Bennett under the basket. He banked in the shot on his first attempt, which created an ovation and halted the game as the Caro bench cleared.
“I was practicing all night,” Bennett said. “I didn’t make them all but probably 8 out of 10.”
Lester wasn’t worried.
“He probably has the best form on the entire team,” Lester said. “He has never quit shooting the basketball. We were very confident that he would make it. You know what … it didn’t matter if he missed four or five in a row, he was still going to make one.
“He went through a lot of rehab since this has happened, so he’s come a long, long ways. I felt this is kind of like a reward for his hard work.”
Bennett will return to his job as a manager and assistant coach for the rest of the season.
“He’s pretty knowledgeable, and he gives us input if he has it,” Lester said. “He does our stats too.”
Caro’s Connor McGarry scored 22 points to lead all scorers, while Jack Betts scored 18 for the Wolves. The Tigers fell to 3-5, while Sandusky improved to 4-4.
But the night belonged to Bennett.
“It was so awesome to be a part of this with these guys … we’ve been playing together since we were kids,” Bennett said. “We’ve been brothers. The locker room was so electric. I just want to thank everybody involved. It was awesome, something I’ll never forget.”
While Bennett has ruled out playing in another game this season, he hasn’t ruled out walking again.
“I’m regaining a lot of stuff, like being able to crawl,” Bennett said. “I can stand by myself with no braces. It’s just every day is something new.”
Sherri Bennett will always hope.
“It was very devastating when it happened, but it’s important never to give up,” Sherri Bennett said. “That’s what we would tell anybody. Never give up.”
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