Voting is open for national 'Teammate of the Year' finalists

Penn College men’s basketball teammates Mason Chapman and Michael Woolridge have been named one of five national finalists for Team IMPACT Teammate of the Year.

Voting is open on the Team IMPACT website and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 20. In addition to voting for "Mason and Michael," supporters can view the nomination video submitted by Mason and his mother, Megan Rogers. The winner and a guest, as well as their nominating teammate and a guest, will receive a trip to Boston for Team IMPACT’s annual Game Day Gala on April 20.

Mason, who was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Lenz Microphthalmia, joined the Penn College basketball team in October and made an immediate connection with Woolridge, according to Rogers, a college employee.

“From day one, Mason and Mike had a special bond. From their first hug on signing day, it was like Mason could feel the love inside the 6-foot-9 gentle giant,” Rogers said in the nomination video. “From that day on, they built a special friendship.” Rogers goes on to share various ways Woolridge has extended friendship to her son and how members of Woolridge's family have also engaged in the special bond. 

The Wildcats men’s basketball team welcomed their new teammate last season by spreading awareness on conditions that he navigates daily. They celebrated Mason during a segment on WBRE’s “PA live,” observed Blindness Awareness Month after a practice in late October, and held a “Mason Strong” game in December. 

Woolridge is a business administration junior from Hollidaysburg.

For additional information, visit the Wildcats Athletics website.