Members of UP’s athletic teams squared off against the Portland Wheelblazers to raise $7,500 for Friedreich’s ataxia research in honor of senior Sam Bridgman
Members of Pilots athletic teams gather in support of Sam Bridgman and SamJam 2013, despite losing to the Portland Wheelblazers in a game of wheelchair basketball. (Stephanie Matusiefsky | THE BEACON)
On April 16, members of the men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and baseball teams came together to take on the Portland Wheelblazers in a game of wheelchair basketball to support senior Sam Bridgman and his fight with Friedreich's ataxia (FA). In front of a crowd of over 500 in the Chiles Center, SamJam 2013 raised $7,500 that will go towards researching the cure for FA.
"Last year was fantastic and was a great start," men's basketball Head Coach Eric Reveno said. "This year the UP community took it to a whole new level with more students and more teachers coming out."
The Pilots kept it close in the first half, but the Wheelblazers pulled ahead, demonstrating their experience and abilities. The game was more than just the scoreboard; the game was a showcase of everything Bridgman stands for.
With the words "Impossible is Nothing" tattooed on his and his family's arms, Bridgman is a vibrant example of what it means to never give up. Being forced into a wheelchair at age 15, he lost the ability to do many of the things he loved, like playing basketball, baseball, and skiing, among other things. However, Bridgman has never let his disease deter him.
It is that attitude of resilience and refusal to quit that defines Bridgman. The support from the UP community in his fight and fundraising efforts has always amazed him.
"It really means a lot that they came out and supported me and FA research," Bridgman said.
Sam has served as the baseball team manager for the past four years and formed close relationships with players and coaches.
Sophomore shortstop Michael Lucarelli's dad, Frank, bought a horse at the same time as the last SamJam in November of 2011 and named it after the event. He promised to donate 10 percent of the horse's earnings to FA research and on Tuesday, the Lucarellis presented a check of $1,148 in support of SamJam and FA research.
With appearances from Portland Thorns members Courtney Wetzel, Jessica Shoefeldt and UP alum Danielle Foxhoven, SamJam 2013 was an all-around success.
Thankfulness hardly begins to explain Sam's feelings towards the UP community.
"I want to say thanks to the men's and women's basketball teams and to the athletic department," Bridgman said. "I really want to thank UP for my four years here. I can't thank them enough."
SamJam looks to continue raising money for FA research. According to Bridgman, there is also consideration about the possibility of raising funds to research muscular dystrophy.
