Good Sports: Buchanan freshman with Down syndrome defying the odds on the field and in pool

With his cleats in the grass, Buchanan freshman Wyatt Perkins feels right at home.

“He doesn’t feel different than anybody,” says dad James Perkins. “He walks around like he’s the mayor and he knows everybody.”

Despite having Down syndrome, Wyatt joined the Bears football team in the spring.

“Kids see Wyatt doing it and they want to do it too, you know, because why he’s doing it,” says coach Mike Ward.

The Buchanan community is embracing Wyatt as one of their own.

“He’s just one of the teammate,s and they really do celebrate with him, protect him and look out for him,” Ward said.

Rising to the moment while lifting each other up, sometimes literally.

Before long, Wyatt got his moment to make his mark.

“I teared up immediately,” says mother Chandel Perkins. “The fact that they value and recognize that he’s a part of the team and that he puts in as much work as the other players. It’s just special.”

He celebrated with both Dinuba and the Bears for an unforgettable moment.

While diving headfirst into football and soccer this season, the pool is where Wyatt’s passion lives.

He most recently competed in the Special Olympics and took home two gold medals, with the goal of making it to state this year.

“Water makes me fast,” Wyatt said. “I try my best.”

“It’s definitely a comfort zone for him,” says Break the Barriers Aquatics Coach Cole Henkle. “He is very happy to be here. He loves to swim.”

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