The healing power of basketball

Basketball can offer moments of healing. Twelve-year-old Wyatt Renker and some members of his family discovered that during Tuesday’s March Madness game at UD Arena. 

The sport has always held a special place in Renker’s heart. He joined recreational basketball at age 8 and played on his school basketball team until recently, when an automobile accident took his mother's life. He spent 26 days in Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit with severe injuries, including two broken legs. 

One week after being released from the hospital, his family pushed his wheelchair into UD Arena to watch the NCAA Tournament games.

“Everything about it is so exciting. I have never been to UD before, so this is a very cool experience,” Renker said. “I am having fun being with my family and watching good basketball.”

Renker and his grandfather, James Barefield, from outside of Detroit, coordinated the visit with relatives from Vermont: Renker’s 17-year-old cousin Jackson Bascom and Jackson’s father, Marty Bascom. Jackson Bascom, a fellow basketball player, shares a special bond with Renker through the sport. Renker said he looks up to him both as a cousin and an athlete, and he hopes to one day reach Jackson’s level on the court.

While the accident put their prior-made plans in question, Barefield said the opportunity to attend March Madness at UD was something he could not pass up for his family. 

“This trip is about putting my grandson in a great place with great people for a great experience.”

“This trip is about putting my grandson in a great place with great people for a great experience,” Barefield said. “This trip is going to be a big positive in his recovery. I can’t replace a mom, but I can bring a smile to his face.”

Basketball certainly does that for Renker — including last week, when his school team visited him at home. “I really enjoy playing basketball, and I play center on my team,” Renker said. “My favorite part is seeing the basketball go in the hoop.”

“My favorite part is seeing the basketball go in the hoop.”

Renker hopes to continue playing basketball after his healing journey — and now that he has experienced the atmosphere of UD Arena and the faithfulness of its fans, he may just shoot to play on UD’s court.

photos by Maggie Endres ’26