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The lack of success early was followed by a solid win streak. The recent losses incurred started a reversal of fortune that has been both frustrating and deflating. Hard times as these often serve to tear clubs apart.

One senior member of the squad has supplied a rock steady influence that has kept the team's demeanor upbeat in the face of adversity. Logan "Zoom Zoom" Buckler's participation serves to remind his fellow students that each dayÕs challenges are to be met head-on without excuse or remorse for what might have been. Buckler's contributions are not contained in a box score or confined to the field of play, though. During the dark days endured early in the campaign, he intoned a heart felt pre-game message.

"ItÕs my senior year too, you guys are lucky you can play, I can't because of this wheel chair,Ó"Buckler said.

The teammates, some of whom started their first day of kindergarten with Logan, were overwhelmed with emotion. "LB" was hurriedly scrawled upon their sneakers with permanent markers as tears flowed freely. The playerÕs plan to carry Logan onto the floor with them physically and spiritually was set. A resolve to stop the season from bleeding away was acted upon. Consequently, a team of over achievers tests the mettle of every opponent that comes their way and preps for the tournament with no symptoms of let up. Assistant Coach Logan Buckler wouldn't hear of it.

Logan Buckler was born on May 4, 1989 in Traverse City, to Dave and Joyce Buckler. Dave is employed as a rig operator whose reputation for working long hard hours is legendary in Northern Michigan's oil and gas fields. Joyce is employed as an office manager at Kalkaska Heating and Plumbing. Everyone who knows Joyce speaks of her tireless devotion to Logan and his younger sister Gena.

Logan was born afflicted with cerebral palsy which is a noncontagious, non-progressive neurological disorder that causes physical disability in human development especially in relation to posture and movement. Periodic major surgeries started at the age of three to relax agitated muscle and nerve groups that placed tension on LoganÕs spinal column. Therapy to increase motor skills was applied early and young Logan was enrolled in TBA at the age of three to prepare for his eventual enrollment in public school.

The family's hard work and dedication helped launch Logan. He started kindergarten at the age of five in Kalkaska with some of the same characters he will graduate with in the spring. The only major problem that LoganÕs presence presented in class was the protective bond the other boys formed and still exists to this day. The fights amongst them to settle who was going to secure his milk at lunch time are the stuff of urban legend.

At the age of seven, Logan first became infatuated with sports. The care and support given by long time Kalkaska educator Dave Dalton played a key role in LoganÕs blossoming athletic interests. Logan began to participate in the organized team sports activities run by Dalton in the fifth grade.

Dalton also motivated Logan to continue with his own physical development by waving the specter of a trip to the Palace to watch the Pistons if he would adhere to a tough regimen of walker-aided laps. When Logan wanted something, he learned how to get it. The path was hard work.

Dalton and his long time assistant coach Royce Thomas made good on their promise as Logan did on his.

This has not occurred without some regrets for both Dalton and Thomas. You see, Logan Buckler is a Phil Jackson fan and proud of it. This created a lot of hard feelings as Logan mercilessly derided the Pistons. Before Big Chief Sacred Hoops took the Los Angeles job, he led the dreaded Chicago Bulls. This is a sin neither Dalton nor Thomas can ever excuse.

As the new millennium began and the Lakers excelled, Logan Buckler never let them forget how his team, led by his man, was dominant. Both must have thick skin though, as last year, Misters' Dalton and Thomas arranged for Logan a dream encounter with his favorite player Kobe Bryant. Dalton and Thomas made the necessary contacts again this year. Buckler had audience with several Laker players before their Palace encounter with the Pistons. Dalton had the last laugh though. Reminding Buckler of the humiliation endured by his beloved Phil Jackson all the way home made this seasonÕs trip extra special for all. With his interest in coaching, fostered by heroes near and far, the transition to high school provided Logan with greater access to varsity level sports. Buckler has been affiliated with the boyÕs basketball squad since before his first day on campus.

Logan has also gained notoriety throughout the Lake Michigan Conference as someone opposing coaches and administrators seek out and enjoy conversing with.

The greatest pleasure that Logan derives comes from watching the friends he has grown up with lace them up and compete in the game he loves. The relationship is a two way street. The players' loyalty to Logan and the inspiration they derive is a perpetual motion style of love that grows as each new challenge is faced.

A recent game at Roscommon put that bond and trust on display for all. The age of the auditorium dictated that Logan had to sit at a spot on the floor near the end of the court. Senior guard Ryan Leitow shot out of bounds in pursuit of a loose ball. Leitow has only one speed and that is all-out. After awkwardly throwing the ball back into play, Logan and RyanÕs eyes locked. Leitow had neither the time to slow down or change course and instead thrust himself into the air and above the watching Logan. In a season full of athletic feats, this was a Herculean effort. Leitow passed over Logan and having landed, raced back toward the court. Ryan rejoined the fray but not before shooting a worried glance to assess his friend and teammateÕs condition.

Later that evening, Mrs. Buckler queried her son about what had unfolded. Joyce asked her son if he was scared.

"No, I knew Ryan wouldnÕt hurt me," Logan said. During a discussion about the boys and the season Joyce asked to convey her appreciation to all the players on the squad but especially the seniors Logan has shared so many moments with Ñ on and off the court.

"These kids donÕt realize how much it means to him," she said.

"My mom is a big help," Logan said.

Dalton related a story involving a practice held in Cheboygan last year on the Saturday preceding the start of the state tournament. Logan is a part of the team and wanted to be there. The commitment is enormous and the smile always prevalent, Joyce is the driving force.

The graduation this spring promises no let- up for Mrs. Buckler. Logan has career plans that require higher education. He plans to enroll at Northwestern Michigan College with an eye toward a degree in Sports Management.

Ultimately LoganÕs goal is to become the first N.B.A. coach who works from a wheel chair. Another individual prominently discussed as a major influence in BucklerÕs life is the high school social studies instructor Matt Olds.

"Along with the school work heÕs been real helpful. He talks about life," Logan said.

ItÕs ironic that Logan speaks highly of someone who "talks about life." The effervescent optimism that Logan exudes motivates all in his circle to think positively. Logan's ability to get along with anybody (except at times his sister Gena) and wear his big heart on his sleeve has served to inspire and make a difference in peopleÕs lives.

When asked about how the season has unfolded, Logan bursts forth: "The seasonÕs going great, a good experience, IÕm not worried about wins and losses. Coach David Manchesters been phenomenal, he brings lots of energy to the court.Ó"

During the build-up to senior night the players asked Logan to suit up in a uniform for the event. Logan discussed the quandary with his mother.

"Mom, IÕve never been a player and never will be a player. I was put here to be an assistant coach. ThatÕs the way IÕm dressing. Why change?Ó"

Why indeed.