Keeping their eyes on the ball

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.