Addison Trail senior named All-American at National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

Left: Pictured is Addison Trail senior Ryan Glatchak, who was recently named as a Team 1 All-American after his team (SYNERGY Junior Bulls) finished in 3rd place in the Junior Division at the 2018 National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. That event took place from April 12 to 15 in Louisville, Ky. Right: Glatchak (in the red jersey) participates in the 2018 National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament.

Growing up, Addison Trail senior Ryan Glatchak was always into sports. He played baseball, basketball and football and had plans to continue as an athlete throughout high school and possibly at the collegiate level.

But after six reconstructive surgeries to correct a condition with the arches of his feet, Glatchak was told he could only pursue wheelchair sports. While the news was disappointing, Glatchak never let it get him down or stop him from following his passion. Eight years ago, he joined the SYNERGY Junior Bulls, which is part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).

“I realized pretty quickly I can’t change what happened, so I decided to make the best of it and be successful in the sport I can play,” Glatchak said.

And he has certainly found success. Glatchak’s team recently finished in 3rd place in the Junior Division at the 2018 National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, and he was named as a Team 1 All-American. That event took place from April 12 to 15 in Louisville, Ky.

“Earning that honor meant a lot to me because it’s my senior year, and I’m proud to set an example for everyone in the NWBA community,” Glatchak said.

Along with his athletic accomplishments, Glatchak also maintains a GPA greater than 3.0 and recently received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. He said his inspiration and motivation come from his older brother, Addison Trail alumnus Nicholas Trojanowicz (class of 2012). Trojanowicz has neurofibromatosis (a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue) and had to have his leg amputated at age 12 as a result of the condition.

Glatchak plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in marine biology or biochemistry. He also has received an academic scholarship to compete on the university’s Warhawks Wheelchair Basketball Team. And Glatchak has big plans for his future in wheelchair basketball – he hopes to make it to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center and qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games.

“I want to play at the highest level possible and represent my country,” Glatchak said.