Texas high school football team gives beloved senior a birthday moment he’ll never forget

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Mason Wisnoski had the perfect 18th birthday.

The Manvel High School (TX) senior went skydiving with his dad and then scored a touchdown with his favorite football team on senior night.

Wisnoski, who has Down syndrome, suited up in a Manvel High varsity football uniform on Thursday, Sept. 24, ahead of the Mavericks' matchup against rival Alvin (TX). Wisnoski took the handoff and ran for a 30-yard touchdown.

According to Wisnoski, it was his first touchdown.

"I am very excited," Wisnoski told USA TODAY Sports.

Following his touchdown, Wisnoski was mobbed by his teammates, picked up by the offensive line and carried off the field in celebration, looking like a scene straight out of the movie Rudy, according to Wisnoski's father, Eddie.

"They celebrated (me) getting a touchdown," Wisnoski said about his favorite part of the night, while signaling a touchdown with his hands. "Then they picked me up."

According to Manvel football coach Kirk Martin, Wisnoski runs onto the field with the team, gets them Gatorade, water, runs the celebration flags and is always around on the sidelines.

The idea to get Wisnoski into the game came from his wife. Martin thanked Alvin head coach, Matthew Bass, for going along with the idea to have the huge sportsmanship moment.

"After the coin flip, we lined up, ran his play and he ran down the sidelines in front of the bleachers and scored a touchdown," Martin told USA TODAY Sports. "Then slid into third base, almost in the end zone, and he did his touchdown dance and all our kids surrounded him and carried him off the field.

"It was a really neat, neat night."

For his parents — Eddie and Stephanie Wisnoski — the moment was a special one to celebrate their son.

"I've said it before, but it just means they've made him part of the team," Eddie told USA TODAY Sports. "They've made him feel like he was there for a purpose and they've always included him. Coach Martin and his staff have always gone above and beyond for Mason. It just shows that kids with disabilities are more alike than they are different. And it's been important to just show that. So we really appreciate it."

"I know not only was it a happy time for Mason, but his teammates truly did celebrate him," Stephanie added. "They were excited for him. And it was really neat to see that. To see them all be genuinely happy for him."

Wisnoski was told about his chance to suit a couple of days before the game.

"I loved my surprise," Wisnoski said. "I love it."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas high school football team gives beloved senior a birthday moment he’ll never forget

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