Make-A-Wish Website Story

WJET TV Video


EDINBORO, Pa. (february 27, 2014) – Three wishes were granted at McComb Fieldhouse on Wednesday night. The first came in the form of a 21^st victory for women's basketball coach Stan Swank. The second was a tenth win for first-year men's basketball coach Pat Cleary. But the wish that mattered the most was one granted to a 15-year-old boy named Austin Hawk.

Austin is from Warren, Pa. and was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer). In coordination with Make-A-Wish, Edinboro University held its Make-A-Wish Celebration on Wednesday, February 26 as Clarion visited McComb Fieldhouse for the basketball regular season finale.

Led by members of Edinboro's Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Austin was guided to mid court at halftime of the men's basketball game, where he joined Edinboro University President Dr. Julie Wollman, Director of Athletics Bruce Baumgartner, and Jan Stork, the Senior Director of Make-A-Wish for Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

What followed made a young man's dreams come true. One by one, gifts were presented to Austin by Edinboro student-athletes, all related to owning a dog. They included leashes, dog bowls, dog treats, dog training books, a dog bed, toys, and a travel crate. He also received a variety of Green Bay Packers-themed items in honor of his favorite football team. He even received a certificate good for one year's care from the Kinzua Vet Clinic, plus a $500 gift card to PetSmart.

And then "Who Let the Dogs Out" blared over the speakers, and members of the swimming team brought out Layla, a pit bull puppy, fulfilling Austin's wish.

The first half of the men's basketball game featured the honoring of four former wish recipients, Lucas Smith, Sam Cain, Anna Myers, and Matthew Serafin.

The Make-A-Wish Celebration wrapped up with Stork presenting Wollman, Baumgartner and SAAC representatives Katie Kelly and Tony Romanini with a plaque from the NCAA commemorating the University's outstanding commitment to Make-A-Wish in 2012-13. Partnering with other campus entities, the athletic department raised $9,424 for Make-A-Wish, ranking as one of the top five schools in the Division II. Edinboro was one of only five schools to receive the NCAA recognition.

The night also greatly bolstered Edinboro's chances to ranks among the national leaders this year. Over $3,000 was raised during the course of the night through the sale of Make-A-Wish stars and donations. Individuals can still donate by going to to: ssl.wisg.org/NCAADII
(NOTE: please choose Pennsylvania as your state and Edinboro University as your school)

The Make-A-Wish Celebration was just part of an activity-filled night. Both the men's and women's basketball teams held ceremonies recognizing six seniors prior to their games. In conjunction with the Edinboro Student Government Association and SAAC, it was Jam the Gym Night, with the largest crowd of the season showing up to witness a pair of victories.

However, the most lasting memory was the one that took place at halftime of the men's game, as a young man sat center court and received the wish of a lifetime. As a young man clutched Layla, his love for his new puppy was exceeded only by that which emanated from the crowd for Austin. It was truly a night to remember.