The thunderous applause — particularly from the student section — as Austin Schneider was introduced prior to Friday night’s home game for the Silverdale Baptist Academy boys’ basketball team was a resounding reminder of his popularity across the campus.
The 1,000-watt smile on his face as he trotted onto the court to join four classmates for senior night told the story of what the moment meant to Schneider.
Moments later, he scored the game’s first basket, prompting pats on the back and high-fives from teammates as he made his way back down the court before setting up to play defense against rival Grace Academy.
Coaches from both teams had agreed beforehand that Schneider, the team manager for the Seahawks, would score the game’s first points before a timeout would be called to allow him to be subbed out and recognized again by the crowd.
Silverdale went on to win 46-31, but the biggest highlight came early.