Boulder Creek basketball program honors senior
Staff Report ~ 03/17/2010

Amid the celebration of the basketball program’s first state championship the Boulder Creek boys basketball team honored senior Benji Rutan at Thursday’s season-ending banquet.
The reserve guard was the program’s first honoree of the Autism Awareness Award presented to a member of the team that exhibits a caring and unselfish attitude to his teammates and selflessly encourages their success over the course of the season.
Those attributes not only contributed to the Jaguars success, winning the 5A Div-II state title following a 28-2 season, but are also ones that make a big impact in the real world challenges faced by autistic individuals.
In presenting and publicizing this award, Boulder Creek wanted to do its part in bringing the “wall of autism” down, thereby assisting with the development, understanding and acceptance of the autistic. The powerful impact of a caring word or encouragement helps those with autism cope and brings a wealth of meaning to these developmentally challenged individuals. Simply put there is no substitute for caring, understanding and the human touch.
“Benji Rutan was selected this year because of his unselfish play and his leadership the entire season,” coach Randy Walker said. “Our team believes in one team, one spirit and one goal, Benji emulated that this year in practice and in his support of his teammates. Benji realized that he was part of something bigger than himself and was a great example of our motto. We could think of no better person to give this award to in the spirit of raising awareness for autism than Benji Rutan.”
A $500 donation is also being made to the Autism Society of America on behalf of the Boulder Creek Boys basketball team.