Inspiring Madras HS student chosen homecoming king

An inspiring Madras High School senior was named homecoming king Friday night, to the loud cheers of his supportive classmates and community — and even got to score a touchdown.

Senior Gus McCoy has a rare disease called Coffin-Siris syndrome, which affects the joints and may cause dwarfism.

Many of his classmates don’t pay any attention to his disease, and they rallied earlier this week to nominate Gus to the homecoming court.

“He doesn’t think of himself as being different, he’s just small.” Gus’s father, Mike McCoy, said Friday.

McCoy and his wife adopted Gus at the age of 3. They told NewsChannel 21 they’re proud of their son.

Gus is an integral part of the football team of 18 players, who have his back both on the field and in the classroom.

After graduating from high school, he wants to go to the University of Oregon because he’s a huge Ducks fan.

Gus says the gridiron is where he feels the excitement, but Friday night was a little more special for him.

“I’m going to hit hard and score a touchdown,” Gus McCoy said.

Gus’s goal was to score a touchdown for his team and take the crown as senior homecoming king.

And thanks to his fellow students, he got to achieve both. The play with the “score” might have been somewhat arranged, and it might not have officially counted on the scoreboard, but it definitely counted for everyone who was there to see it and cheer Gus on.

“It’s a big day for us,” his father said. “I mean, he’s wanted to do this for a long time.”

McCoy said he’s very thankful for the teammates and the community who are there to support his son — a community that embraces one another, no matter who you are.

When asked on what he’ll miss the most about Madras High, his response was easy — “football.”