Sinor Among Cowboys who Assisted with Tim Tebow’s ‘Night to Shine’ in Oklahoma

Zach Sinor gets a larger share of the spotlight than most punters in college football. The redshirt senior who previously handed out pamphlets to lead his Heisman Campaign is one of the most entertaining personalities on the team, but Feb. 9 was his chance to help others relish the spotlight.

Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine event filled 537 churches across the world that played host to a prom-like event for folks 14 and older with special needs.

Representatives from many schools were present, but Oklahoma State’s athletes were arguably the main attraction. Athletes from the football, equestrian and soccer teams made their way to Enid and Oklahoma City, where two of the 537 events were held.

Sinor said he was asked about the opportunity before a team meeting and had no hesitation volunteering his time, though he hadn’t heard of the event before.

“It looked like something I’d be really interested in, so I (said) I was gonna go,” Sinor said. “It was just a big church and I couldn’t even tell you how many people were there. I like giving back to people because it’s nice to do something for someone else. When these opportunities come up I always jump on them because I know a bunch of people have helped me. I just really like things like that.”

Each participant got to walk down a red carpet as his or her name was announced. They also each got their own tiara or crown and got to enjoy cake in their prom dresses and tuxedos.

Kelsey Wilson, who assists with Orange and Black Gives Back (the community outreach arm of OSU’s athletic dept.), helped coordinate the players’ destination and made sure they got there. She said it was the second year OSU has gone to the event. Basketball coaches Jim Littell and Mike Boynton sent videos honoring the participants, adding to the existing excitement the players provided.

“It’s really their night to feel special, really feel the love,” Wilson said. “It’s their night to just shine, to not be totally cheesy and corny.”

Matt Ammendola and Enoch Smith were among the other football players to join Sinor at the event. The night received an additional surprise when Tim Tebow himself came to Putnam City Baptist Church.

His plane reportedly broke down on his way to Dallas, so he asked to go to the event hosted in Oklahoma City. With so many events occurring simultaneously worldwide, there’s no wonder why his appearance was such a big deal.

“I think this makes their year, honestly,” Wilson said. “I don’t know how much you’ve been around people with special needs, but they’re pretty much happy all the time, with whatever they’re doing.

“They’re carefree about life and that’s one of the things that I love about them. This night is unforgettable for them.”