Estancia High basketball team to save a seat on the bench for graduate, manager Marcus Winters

For Marcus Winters — an Estancia High School senior who’s served for the past three years as manager of the boys’ basketball team and will soon graduate — there will always be a seat on the bench inside the school gym.

That’s because in addition to his official team credential, Winters has been an avid Eagles supporter and an essential part of the team, according to coach Xavier Castellano, known to players as “Coach Xavi.�

Winters, who has Down syndrome, initially became involved with the team after attending games and practices with older brother Jackson. Over time, his presence became a powerful totem for the players, the coach said.

Castellano flashed back to a game against Rancho Alamitos High on Dec. 20, 2017, when Winters put on a uniform and hit the court as part of the starting five and famously executed a successful layup.

“He scored two points for us. He was practicing a lot, and he didn’t always make it, but he made it on that day� he said. “We won the game — the whole team was pumped up — it was a beautiful, beautiful feeling.�

The coach said he’d like to extend Winters’ contract, as it were, by having him return next year as assistant coach.

“As long as I’m here I want him here with us,� he said.

Zeke Eampietro, from Corona del Mar High, poses with his mother Donna Eampietro for a photo taken by friend Julie Camire, right, before a small ceremony at a friend’s home in Costa Mesa on Saturday.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

Still, for Winters, the prospect of graduation is bittersweet. It’s exciting to move on to new pursuits but moving on sometimes means leaving behind beloved people and routines — seeing and talking with classmates, taking after-school weightlifting classes or creating new art projects in teacher Alison Rockwood’s ceramics class.

“I will miss seeing my friends every day, and my friends will miss me, especially Reese,� he said during a conversation with family members.

With high school nearly behind him Winters, like others enrolled in Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s special education program, will move on the Adult Transition Program, which provides job and life skills training to help recent graduates establish adult lives that are as independent as possible.

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The 18-year-old, who has a penchant for organizing things, has an idea for what he’d like to do for a job someday.

“I want to work at Vons and help clean,� Winters said of his future plans. “I want a truck to pick up new stuff for the store. I want to be a coach and do what Xavi does.�

Mom Dora Danesi said when her son was a baby, she worried about his future. But with the help, love and support he’s received from Estancia, she’s allowing herself to feel hopeful about what’s next.

“I was just afraid of what was next — now I’m excited,� she said. “Estancia is a wonderful school. It’s been nothing but love and acceptance.�

Estancia High School senior Marcus Winters, left, and his friend Zeke Eampietro, from Corona del Mar HS, poses for photos before small commencement ceremony at Winters’ home in Costa Mesa on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Neighbors sat outside and cheered on the special education graduates.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

To help add some sweetness to her son’s transition, Danesi planned a graduation surprise.

On Saturday, Winters was to walk down a makeshift commencement aisle alongside longtime friend Zeke Eampietro, a graduate of Corona del Mar High who also has Down syndrome, in a small ceremony put together by their respective family members to recognize the graduates.

The two families have themselves become inseparable since the two sons were enrolled an early infant program run out of Laguna Beach Middle School. Eampietro is known for being more boisterous and outgoing, where Winters is a bit more introverted and takes time getting to know people.

Where Winters is cautious about the future, Eampietro is boldly inclined otherwise.

“No, I’m not afraid. I’m pretty excited,� said the 18-year-old Eampietro. “I think what’s next is getting to know some new people.�

Whatever the future may hold for Winters, it’s clear those who know and love him aren’t going anywhere.

“He’s going to be a part of our program, and he’s going to be on the bench with us,� Castellano said.

Estancia High School graduate Marcus Winters poses with his parents, Jack Winters and Dora Danesi, for a photo taken by Julie Camire, right.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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