Marquette University Athletics
Special Guest Highlights 'Buzz's Bunch' Clinic and Picnic
8/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 1, 2009
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"If you have a dream and have a goal, then anything is possible."
That was the message special guest DJ Gregory had for those who attended the "Buzz's Bunch" clinic and picnic Saturday at the Al McGuire Center on the campus of Marquette University.
Established by second-year head men's basketball coach Buzz Williams, "Buzz's Bunch" provides the opportunity for special needs children to get exclusive behind-the-scenes access with the Marquette men's basketball team throughout the year.
"It's more important than any game," William's said of "Buzz's Bunch. "[Our players] know that. It's the only thing in the time that I've been a head coach that I've put my name on, because it's the legacy I want to leave. We're learning more lessons from our campers than we are teaching the campers."
Saturday's clinic allowed participants the chance to compete in basketball drills, which included instruction from the Golden Eagles players and coaches. Gregory then spoke to the group about the importance of setting goals and told the participants, "never take no for an answer," using his inspiring story as an example of someone who defied all odds to achieve his dream.
Born with cerebral palsy and underdeveloped lungs, doctors once told his parents that Gregory would never walk. He underwent a series of surgeries on his legs before he entered first grade. Now 31 years old, Gregory eventually learned to walk with a cane.
Gregory grew up loving sports, including golf, and in 2008 he accomplished his dream, which was to walk every competitive round of every event of the 2008 PGA TOUR.
He completed his goal on Nov. 9, 2008, walking more than 180 rounds, 3,256 holes, covering a distance of nearly 1,000 total miles.
"It was one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Gregory. "At the same time, it was a lifelong dream. I am thrilled to be here and share my story."
"It's really a neat story," said Williams. "We're thankful that he's here. To walk over 1,000 miles in the condition that he's in, over 45 weeks, he's tougher than all of us."
