'Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story' Showing at Livermore High on Saturday

Motivation and success stories come from many places around the globe. In this case, you need to look no farther than local Livermore. Kevin Laue defies all odds to become the first one-armed basketball player ever to receive a scholarship and play on an elite NCAA Division One basketball team. 

Originally from Pleasanton, Laue demonstrated his zest for life before he was even born. With his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck in the womb, Kevin fought back using his arm as a shield. Without circulation from the umbilical cord, he was born with an arm that ended just below the elbow. 

By the time Kevin reached the seventh grade, he was 6' 9"; but still unable to make any of the local teams in upscale Pleasanton, California. Distraught by the treatment of her son by the local community, Kevin's mother crossed the tracks to beg the rival coach at Livermore High School for help. 

Only after Coach McKnight agreed to allow Kevin a tryout did she mention that Kevin only had one arm. After a long day, Coach McKnight knew there was something special in Kevin. He felt he could help Kevin make the varsity team. The rest is history.

Laue now comes back to Livermore High School, the place that represents a critical juncture in his life, to answer questions after a special double screening of his film, “Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story” on April 26. 

Joining Laue on Saturday as moderator at the dual film screening is Chad Crittenden, local Livermore celebrity and inspirational speaker. Crittenden was diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of cancer where amputation was necessary just below the knee. 

His recovery was miraculously quick, and he completed a triathlon nine months after the surgery. As a challenged athlete, he made his national debut on CBS’ Survivor, Season 9, just over a year after his amputation. Crittenden now travels the world as an international and motivational speaker with most recently speaking in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He has also presented at noteworthy TEDx forums. Helping bring this dual screening to Livermore High School is Livermore High School Boosters, LHS Parent Teacher Student Association and Deborah Puku, owner of Solar Universe. Puku was touched by Laue’s story and compelled to help sponsor the event. 

“We think this story will resonate with our community. It’s a story of overcoming an obstacle--one of the biggest obstacles a person can face in their lifetime-- with all of the challenges, disappointment, criticism, and cynicism a person encounters along the way. Kevin’s story will inspire people to become stronger and braver. Anyone can overcome their challenge if they desire to do so. And, that’s a lesson worth sharing.” 

These special celebrity screenings of  “Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story” will be held on Saturday, April 26th at 2PM and 6PM. Entrance is $5 per person and benefits the Livermore High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association. 

For additional details or ticket purchases for ““Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story”, please visit http://www.livermorehighschoolptsa.com/programs/. Questions may be directed to Monica Baucke, LHS PTSA: monica.baucke@sbcglobal.net. For more information on Kevin Laue, visit www.thekevinlauestory.com For more information on Chad Crittenden, visit www.chadcrittenden.com