For Mahomet-Seymour volleyball and basketball fans, the newly added Jumbotron in the Mahomet-Seymour gymnasium is something that adds a little flair to each competition throughout the regular season.
But for Mahomet-Seymour freshmen Collin Rath, the Jumbotron is almost a dream come true.
Rath, a student on the autism spectrum, has always loved electronics, technology and gaming. But outside of the classroom, he did not feel comfortable participating in his school environment.
The Mahomet-Seymour School District purchased the Jumbotron in the spring of 2018 as a way to engage the crowds during the game while also providing advertising opportunities to local businesses.
The high school administration, including Athletic Director Matt Hensley, quickly realized that the board management during the games might be something Mahomet-Seymour High School students could participate in.
“It was just a good opportunity to engage our kids and get them involved in what we are doing on our game nights,” Hensley said.
Hensley sent an email blast out to parents to see if any students would be interested in helping out.
When Collin learned of the opportunity, he knew right away that it would be right up his alley.
Ten other students responded to the offer, and eight, including Collin, were able to fit it into their schedules. Hensley and Tektronics trained the students, and since then, the group has been responsible for ensuring the job gets done during each home game.
“Sometimes we have two students up there, sometimes we have three, sometimes we have four,” Hensley said.
Collin said that part of the group’s responsibilities is to make sure that the equipment is running correctly, and the other part is making sure the messages and images go up at the right time.
“(I) really watch and pay attention to what’s happening during the basketball games so I can press the correct image buttons on the laptop app,” Collin said.
The Jumbotron came pre-loaded with graphics the students can use during play, but Hensley said the group has come up with memes and gifs that they also use to entertain the crowd.
The memes and gifs are Collin’s favorite part of the job because he’s able to get a laugh from the crowd, which feeds into his playful personality.
“It seems like the fans get more excited,” Rath said. “When the fans get excited, they cheer louder for our team and that helps the players work harder.”
Working with the Jumbotron has added a new skip into Rath’s step each day.
Garret Risley, who works closely with Collin at school, said that when Collin comes to class he talks about his work for the school.
“He’s all smiles when we talk about it,” Risley said. “I feel like if he was having a bad day, and I talked about the Jumbotron, his day would flip.”
Risley said students on the spectrum usually have one subject they gravitate towards.
“For Collin, it seems like it’s this technology piece,” he said.
While Collin is giving back to his community through his work on the Jumbotron, he is also getting an experience that he may not have otherwise had during high school.
“Prior to this opportunity, Collin wasn’t excited to try new things,” his mom, Kris, said. “He was very singularly focused on gaming and not much else. Now he has a job that he loves and always looks forward to.”
Rath’s parents sit in the stands during the games to support their son while he works and to also cheer on the teams.
“They know how important this job is to me and how much I like it,” Collin said.
Although Collin has been an “independent soul” all of his life, according to his mom, Kris said that the Jumbotron job has helped him with understanding work ethic and committing to doing a job well.
“He independently entered his work schedule into his calendar, which is something that he would’ve never done before,” Kris said.
Since beginning work with the Jumbotron, Collin is now interested in finding ways that he can work to earn a paycheck after basketball season ends.
“He’s looking ahead and trying to figure out his next steps, which shows an individual that is maturing and is interested in expanding or honing their skill set,” Kris said.
“Collin has also found a niche in an area that he is very enthusiastic about (electronics), but in an environment that allows him to be social and independent; to be and feel like he’s part of the school culture instead of primarily feeling like a social outcast.”
Collin said the opportunity has given him a new outlook on his skill set, too.
“I have more confidence because I’m learning a new skill I didn’t have before,” he said. “I also get to work with other students that have similar interests that I do. And it’s fun.”
Because of the team atmosphere required to run the Jumbotron, Collin is learning how to work on a team, and enjoying the atmosphere of working with other students while making friends in the process.
Risley said, “From my understanding, he really likes to hang out with the kids who are up there, as well.
“Making friends is something that is incredibly difficult for youth on the spectrum to do, and he’s very comfortable with those that he works alongside of,” Kris said. “The students he works with are — from my perspective while sneaking peeks at the games — including him in conversation, joking around with him, and making him feel like part of the ‘team.’ “
Hearing praise from Mahomet-Seymour staff members also helps grow Collin’s confidence.
“My PE teacher congratulates me every time I work a game,” Collin said. “Mr. Risley always tells me that he sees me working at the games and tells me that I do a great job. Mr. Hensley told my parents that I’m doing a fantastic job and caught on really fast.”
Kris believes this inclusive atmosphere is something that is needed so that all people can be seen for who they truly are.
“Our youth desperately need more exposure to, more dialogue to ponder and absorb, and more opportunities to see that it’s not just the ‘normal’ kids that can shine as bright as the sun,” she said.
While the opportunity has given some students the chance to see that Collin is more than just a student with autism, Collin still wants others to know that his talents and needs go beyond being included with the Jumbotron.
Collin says, “I wish people knew that just because I have autism doesn’t mean I’m dumb or slow, that I can still hear what people say about me or see the mean looks they give me.
“I’m not weird. I just have a harder time saying what I’m thinking because my brain is working so fast. I’m funny and like to joke around, but most people don’t know that because they don’t give me a chance.
“I don’t like being bullied. I don’t like it when people aren’t nice to me. I know when I’m being teased and talked about, and that really hurts. I wish people would just be nice to me and give me a chance to be their friend.
“People don’t understand what they’re missing by not getting to know me. I have a lot of talents and gifts, and I have hopes and dreams just like everyone else.
“I just wish people would see me as Collin, not just as some kid that has autism. Most of all, I want people to know that I’m just like them even though I sometimes need a little help with things that others can easily do.”
