From disabled outsider to beloved teammate, Logan Ratliff finds 'moment' with Life Christian Academy basketball
TACOMA, Wash. - Logan Ratliff had every reason to be a recluse.
Once beaten up so badly at a public middle school, Ratliff withdrew to take classes with a specialized online school.
As a student with a disability, he could have just finished his senior year doing what he had been doing - learning at home.
But Ratliff wanted more.
He wanted a moment.
And last Friday, he got it.
With only a Special Olympics-playing background before trying out for the Life Christian Academy boys basketball team, Ratliff left his new home gymnasium buzzing after he swished a corner 3-pointer in the final seconds of a 1A Nisqually League home victory over East Jefferson.
Ratliff's first career basket set off a chain reaction of uncontrollable cheering - from both teams - as he left feeling like a paragon.
Like he belonged.
"I am ready to shoot it again," he said, flashing a wide smile.
Ratliff isn't like other new students at Life Christian Academy - or any school, for that matter. He is developmentally-delayed in his cognitive and motor skills, which means he lags far behind in his comprehension and execution of certain tasks.
But what has won over his new classmates is his unwavering desire - and determination - to try something different and be a part of a team.
Ratliff has never played football, but tried out for the Life Christian football team last fall - and registered a varsity special-teams tackle against Vashon Island.
And this winter, he went to his fifth-period independent study teacher - Simmons - and asked about basketball tryouts.
"He came to me and asked if he could play," Simmons said. "I told him if he came out, I would not cut him."
Photo by Todd Milles
So, Ratliff started showing up - listening, studying and learning about higher-level basketball.
"It's been really fun but very tough," Ratliff said. "I am not as good as everybody else. And they have far more experience."
Yet, Ratliff began impressing his new teammates both with his work ethic and surprisingly loud and trusted voice in the locker room.
"I am glad he is on our team. Every time he comes in, he brings energy - and he never complains about anything," said sophomore guard Jabez Boyd, who is also the starting quarterback on the football team.
"And he runs extra lines."
Ratliff has quickly become popular with the other players, which is why the moment Friday was so important - for everybody.
"I wanted to give this kid something," Simmons said. "that he would never forget."
Ratliff played earlier in the night on the junior-varsity squad, and normally swings up for varsity games.
On this night, after the Eagles built a comfortable lead in the final minute, it was Ratliff's turn to see varsity action.
It didn't take long for him to have the basketball in his hands. His first shot? It went way over the rim.
"Too quick of a release," Ratliff said.
Next time down, he got another opportunity. The result was the same - his shot sailed over the rim.
Photo by Todd Milles
Simmons called a timeout to try and settle Ratliff down, and remind his players to get the ball to the newcomer in reasonably-paced manner.
Boyd also had one other piece of advice for Ratliff before the huddle broke.
"I said, 'You are going to make it - and when you do, make sure you hold your hand in the cookie jar,'" Boyd said. "I just told him to be confident."
With 20 seconds to go, the Eagles brought the ball up - and Ratliff stood camped in the right corner beyond the 3-point line.
A pass came right to him. He was wide open.
And he left it fly.
"I took my time, and ... yeah, I had an idea," Ratliff said. "I thought, 'OK, that is good.'"
It hit the mark perfectly, falling through the hoop with ease.
A hero's celebration erupted as players from both teams hugged and danced around the teenager.
"We were at a loss for words," said Eagles guard Darius Imperial. "As you can see, the bench was hyped. I was just glad he got his moment in the (spotlight)."
Added Simmons: "It was definitely a special moment. I loved it."
Since then, it is apparent that Ratliff has discovered a different stride around campus.
"He told me, 'Coach, I am looking to play a little more,'" Simmons said.
Photo by Todd Milles
