A new program at E. C. Glass High School is providing opportunities for disabled students to play basketball competitively this year. For the first time, the school is participating in the Medford League, a Virginia basketball league that expands access to team sports for special education students.
“The Medford League provides unique opportunities for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate in team sports. They get all the fun of being part of a team without the exclusivity,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher and department co-lead Neal Hatcher.
Named after a former Chesterfield County principal, the Medford League started as a field day for learners with disabilities in the 1970s. It has since grown into a basketball league that includes schools across Virginia. This season, E. C. Glass will play six games against Altavista Combined School, Brookville High School, and Rustburg High School, vying for a spot in the regional playoffs in November.
Community Rallies to Support First Home Game
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 9, the E. C. Glass gym came alive with cheers as the players ran onto the court for their first-ever home game against Brookville High School. The stands were packed with E. C. Glass general education students—including the football and basketball teams—and proud parents. Special education students from Heritage High School and Sandusky Middle School even made the trip to support the Hilltoppers, along with several graduates of the E. C. Glass special education program, who now attend Central Virginia Community College. E. C. Glass general education students served as referees, scorekeepers, and announcers.
Cheering and chanting through all four quarters, fans built the student-athletes up with their excitement. Many waved signs and pom-poms. The new E. C. Glass stomp ‘n’ shake cheer team built hype from the stands. A DJ kept the energy high with rousing beats. Homemade banners adorned the bleachers, decorated by Bedford Hills Elementary School fifth graders and special education students.
The support from the Lynchburg community was striking. You could see the players’ confidence increase as the crowd got louder. It was an incredible show of solidarity and enthusiasm from all corners of the city.
This wasn’t the first time the program received a warm welcome from the E. C. Glass student body. Last month, they were introduced alongside the other sports teams at a school pep rally to lively applause.
“It means a lot to our students when their general education peers say hi in the hallways or provide words of encouragement,” Hatcher said. “This outpouring of support from the community has been incredible.”
Starting with a Slam Dunk
Hours of preparation led up to this first home game. Medford League practices are built into regular adaptive physical education classes at E. C. Glass, allowing all of the school’s adaptive learners—around 30 students—to participate. They spend a few periods a week running through drills and playing practice games. Special education students have embraced the league with open arms, giving their all on the court.
“We’ve already seen many of our students grow and become more confident. Some who were wary of participating at first are now putting themselves out there,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher Mary Babcock.
The program’s first season started with a bang; in addition to the glowing reception, they won their first scrimmage against Buckingham County High School with a score of 52-30 in September.
“The crowd was cheering me on. I felt happy,” said E. C. Glass 11th grader Trey Treadwell, reflecting on their showdown with Buckingham.
Social Skills and Basketball Drills
But the Medford League isn’t just about winning. Whatever the outcome of the games, participants develop important interpersonal skills, like teamwork and communication, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
“The basketball league gives students opportunities to work on social skills and have the experience of coming together as a team. That includes both winning together and losing together,” Babcock said.
The Medford League gives players a shared interest to bond over. They excitedly discuss upcoming contests and jump at every chance to shoot hoops together.
“The games are my favorite part. I like working with my teammates. They’re nice people,” said E. C. Glass 11th grader Marqus Johnson.
Medford League matches are lower-pressure than your typical varsity basketball games; there’s a focus on enjoying the sport rather than overemphasizing competition. Games are designed to allow every student to play. Coaches discuss their players’ skill levels and needs with referees before the clock starts to determine which adaptations are needed.
One visually impaired E. C. Glass student, for example, is finding his groove through uncontested shots. Teachers repeatedly tap the backboard to give him an idea of where the hoop is before he shoots.
“People sometimes make assumptions about what these students can and can’t do. The Medford League offers them opportunities to showcase their abilities. They’re capable of a lot more than people think,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher and department co-lead Melanie Robinson.
ECG Wins Inaugural Home Game
During the team’s first home game, the smiles on the faces of the players and spectators were contagious. The crowd erupted into cheers as E. C. Glass emerged victorious with a score of 57-32. It was an unforgettable moment of joy and triumph.
With four matches to go before a potential shot at the playoffs, the E. C. Glass Medford League team is looking forward to the rest of the season. Whether they take home the trophy or not, the experiences they’ll gain along the way will be pure gold.
