Michigan Athlete’s Last Play One for the Ages

Lessons Have Been Learned from the 16-year-old Wes Leonard

Don’t we all wish we could go out like Fennville (Mich) High School athlete Wes Leonard exited this world?  With his team’s undefeated season on the line in overtime, Wes drove the lane and put up the winning shot with thirty seconds remaining.  As his team mobbed Wes and celebrated the win, the junior collapsed on the hardwood, victim of sudden cardiac arrest.  He was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.

The story has touched the nation, coast to coast.  As sad an outcome as this story has, Wes Leonard went out as a true hero.  He had just won the big game and the last things he saw, heard and indeed experienced were the sheer joy of his teammates, classmates, parents and friends as they flooded the court. 

Certainly, we would liked to have seen how this young man’s life would have unfolded, but it was not to be.  Wes was known in his community as one of the nicest kids in the tiny town of Holland, situated near the eastern shore of Lake Michigan on Lake Macatawa.  As the school’s star quarterback, he had a bright athletic future.  Adults and youngsters alike looked up to this stallwart young man. 

But, Wes’ abrupt departure gives us all a moment to reflect on life and how best to be remembered.  By all accounts, Wes took nothing for granted, worked hard at everything he undertook, treated others with respect and kindness, and drove himself relentlessly toward achieving his goals.  Is there a better way to approach life’s challenges or to give example to others?  No, there isn’t. 

At the young age of 16, Wes Leonard had figured out one of life’s most important riddles — how to construct and leave an admirable, lasting legacy.