SLIPPERY ROCK — Ryan Henshrodt is just like every other swimmer.

His arms move powerfully through the water. He comes up for air and takes a deep breath. And with each swim, he strives to finish faster than the time before.

But Henshrodt is unique.

He inspires those around him.

When he swims, crowds gather to cheer him on. When he finishes, eyes often well up and hands clap a bit louder and longer than usual.

Henshrodt, a sophomore at Slippery Rock High, has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills.

He swims almost entirely with his upper body. Often the last one to finish, either in his leg of the 400 freestyle relay or during the 50 and 100 freestyle, Henshrodt can hear the spectators scream encouragement to him.

"It makes me try to finish strong and get to the wall faster," Henshrodt said. "I appreciate it."

At the District 10 meet last weekend at Penn State-Behrend in Erie, the outpouring of support for Henshrodt was overwhelming.

Even Slippery Rock coach Kirby Burns, who had seen similar scenes during the dual-meet season, was caught up in the moment.

"That happens pretty regularly because he's usually the last man standing and people rally around him," Burns said. "It's really a neat thing. It really puts everything in perspective."

Henshrodt has been swimming competitively for four years. He started with the Slippery Rock Eels, then joined the high school team for the first time this season.

At first, Henshrodt was nervous about how his new teammates would accept him.

It didn't take long for him to realize he was just one of the guys.

"My teammates have been great," Henshrodt said. "They've just made me feel like part of the team. They didn't build me up greater than I am, but they didn't diminish what I was able to do, either."

And Henshrodt has been able to do a great deal.

He allowed Burns to fill out another 400 freestyle relay team.

He also served as the team's touchstone.

"If anyone got down, they couldn't stay down for long," Burns said. "All they had to do was take one look at Ryan, how hard he was working and how much he enjoyed just being in the pool, to change all of that."

Henshrodt wasn't above trying new things. He even gave diving a whirl.

He had to be helped to the platform, but once there, he threw himself into the role of diver.

Henshrodt's father, Dave, said his son always has been drawn to the pool.

"He's limited in what he can do physically," Dave said. "He's an always-in-the-water kind of kid."

As a young boy, Henshrodt had rhizotomy surgery that selectively severed nerve roots in his spinal cord to help him better control his leg movements.

Because of that, he has very little lower body movement, which makes swimming long distances difficult.

In the 50 freestyle, Henshrodt more than holds his own and his times in the event have dropped steadily.

"I've dropped a tremendous amount of time," he said. "Part of that is due to Mr. Burns and my teammates. They point out what I am doing wrong and how I can improve. That definitely makes me feel welcome because they treat me just like everyone else."

The longer events are tough on Henshrodt.

After the first 50 yards, his shoulders begin to ache and he slows considerably.

"Those last 50 yards are like trying to finish a decathlon," Henshrodt said. "The only thing that keeps me going is the fact I'm still going. Ijust keep going because I have to."