Junior Aaron Gouge averaged 16.25 points per game in the Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team’s first tournament of the season. He also participated with Team USA at the 2007 Pan-American Games over the summer. (The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran)

On Nov. 2 during halftime at a Movin’ Mavs game against Arizona, Arlington mayor Robert Cluck declared the day officially Aaron Gouge Day.

“If you could see the expression on his face when he received that award, nothing is more genuine than the smile on his face,” head coach Jim Hayes said.

Gouge admits the award came as a shock.

“It was surprising,” he said. “It was great because my parents were there to see it. I know it meant more to them than it did to me.”

The 22-year-old kinesiology major is no stranger to honors as a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association All-American First Team and the conference MVP.

“We knew it was coming,” said head coach Jim Hayes. “He did not. We wanted it to be a surprise for him and his parents.”

Though Hayes knew about Gouge’s award, certain things about the ceremony interested him.

“I noticed that here are City Council members honoring a paraplegic — that’s something you don’t see often in America,” he said.

Assistant coach Doug Garner agreed with Hayes, saying that the award was special to the team.

“It is a great model to be honored for his ability instead of his disability,” he said.

Gouge led the team in scoring last season, averaging 17.2 points per game.

“Gouge is an individual with more disability than most of the guys. He has just one very good arm and one very good hand,” Hayes said. “Yet he can do with one hand what most can’t do with two.”

In August, Gouge traveled to Rio De Janeiro, where he played for Team USA at the 2007 Pan-American Games.

“It was a great experience,” Gouge said. “It was my first trip out of the country.”

Team USA went on to get the gold in a 52-50 win over Canada. Gouge and Team USA now qualify to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

“It’s a dream come true,” Gouge said. “I’ve tried out for that team several times in the past, and this year was the first time I made it”

The Movin’ Mavs are undefeated after sweeping the first tournament of the season. Gouge was the second highest scorer on the team with an average of 16.25 points per game.

“That’s the picture to paint for all student athletes — work hard and honors will come,” Hayes said. “And when they come, relish them so others can have the same opportunities.”

The next games for the Movin’ Mavs come in a tournament against the North Division teams, hosted by their rival, Wisconsin-Whitewater, on Nov. 30.

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