On the sidelines of every men's lacrosse game are the familiar faces - head coach Brian Voelker, his assistant coaches and, of course, the players. But for Penn, there's one more person who makes his presence felt as strongly as anyone else: 12-year-old Pat Kelly.
Pat, the brother of sophomore defender Joe Kelly, has Down Syndrome, a developmental disorder often associated with learning disabilities. He is on the sideline with the Quakers at every game, screaming and yelling in support of his brother's squad.
"It's great having someone on the sideline with a lot of energy," head coach Brian Voelker said. "Our kids watch out for him and love that he's down there . for me, its a no-brainer."
Pat's support of his brother began years ago, "ever since he could walk well enough to be the water boy," according to Joe. He has been a regular presence, cheering on Joe from the time he played football and lacrosse in high school.
When Voelker recruited the elder Kelly, he knew that he had a brother who liked to be on the field and welcomed Joe and Pat to the sidelines. John Kelly, their father, could not emphasize enough how much Voelker's welcoming meant to the family. He recounted what a parent of a Maryland lacrosse player told him seeing Pat on the sideline last year.
"The fact that Brian Voelker allows that to go on tells me more about that team and university than any words could ever speak," the parent said, reflecting on the welcome Pat has received from the team.
"Because the rest of this is just garbage, this is just a lacrosse game. But that's life, that's being human to someone else."
Joe Kelly himself is an inspirational story. At 5-foot-7, he is the smallest defenseman in the Ivy League. And among defenders, who are usually upwards of six feet, he thrives, notching 44 ground balls and causing seven turnovers, second and third on the team.
But his story pales in comparison to his brother's, who remains optimistic at all times, no matter what the situation on or off the field.
"Regardless of what happens, whenever I come out he says 'good job' and 'good game' at the end of every game regardless of how horrible the game was," Joe said. "He's always smiling and always gives me a hug when I come to the sidelines."
Apart from his support of his brother, Mary Kelly, the boys' mother, says that Pat is exceptionally talented at figuring out when someone is unhappy. This is especially true when a player gets hurt during a game. Pat usually is among the first to give encouragement to the injured player.
But his impact on Joe and the team is nothing like his impact on the fans. Pat is constantly trying to keep the fans on their feet as he cheers on the Quakers.
He uses a variety of techniques, from attempts to start the wave to a number of unique dance moves, which Joe takes partial credit for helping Pat choreograph.
While Pat is there primarily to cheer on his brother, his parents know how badly he wants the crowd to support Penn. And they often respond positively to his encouragement, particularly at this year's Maryland game, when the team was struggling.
"He was dancing and the crowd was cheering as much for Pat as the team," Mary said. "Everybody was hollering his name and cheering for him. That just gets him going a little bit more. Because Pat does love the attention."
Perhaps the person who gets the most out of Pat's presence on the sideline is Pat himself. He loves to call himself the team's water boy and smiles throughout the entire game.
"He just loves being with his brother," his father said. "What little kid doesn't like to be paid attention to by older kids? They embrace him and treat him like part of the team."
Ultimately, the fun and enjoyment that Pat provides is a boost for the team and himself, but his presence on the sideline means more than the game on it.
"Patrick brings a sense of humanity to the situation," John notes. "Yes, it is a lacrosse game. Yes, it is really important. . But at the same time it's life, and life is more than just winning a lacrosse game."
"It kind of reminds us of how things could be worse off," Joe adds.
"It reminds us to be thankful of our gifts."
