GETTYSBURG, Pa. – It has been labeled by the media in terms such as “The Story of the Year in College Basketball” (Dave McHugh, D3hoops.com) and “Lin-sanity Lite” (Greg Garber, ESPN.com).

Another fitting description might be Top Moment No. 1 in Gettysburg College Athletics in 2011-12.

On Feb. 11, Cory Weissman '12 of the men's basketball team made a courageous and inspiring return to the basketball floor on Senior Day nearly three years after suffering a life-threatening stroke. The incredible events that transpired that afternoon would be told far and wide in a media crush that continues to linger over five months later.

Prior to Gettysburg's tilt with Washington College, Weissman, a team captain, walked onto the court with his parents during Senior Day festivities, celebrating a long road that finally reached its destination. But his afternoon would not end there. In recognition of his perseverance and dedication to the program, Head Coach George Petrie had arranged the night before the game a way for Weissman to appear in the starting lineup. After playing in three games as a reserve guard during his freshman season, and still fighting hard in his recovery from the stroke, he would be introduced as a starter for the first time since high school.

Checking out of the game immediately after tip-off, Weissman made his way through a line of handshakes and hugs from the bench. His goal of getting back onto the court had come to fruition.

By his own admission, it had already been the best day of his life. But there was more to come. With less than a minute left and the Bullets holding a comfortable advantage, Petrie inserted Weissman into the game. With 19 seconds left Washington called timeout, and Head Coach Rob Nugent, in an incredible display of sportsmanship, instructed his team to foul Weissman, giving him a chance to score from the free-throw line.

The inbound pass went to Weissman, who was fouled immediately. After his first shot missed, his second attempt caught nothing but nylon, giving him the only point of his college career and igniting the crowd into a frenzy.

Weissman's story, and the role Washington College played in it, would soon become national news. ESPN included him on its “Top Plays” and later ran a lengthy feature on its website and during College GameDay. He was highlighted by Sports Illustrated as well Frank Deford on NPR.

Perhaps even more remarkable than the comeback itself is the platform the exposure has given Weissman. His story has enabled him to help others who have faced similar challenges, as ESPN.com's Amy O'Neill reported in a story on April 25.

The following is a recap of Gettysburg's top-10 moments:
No. 10: Kevin Poplaski '13, Alexandra Van Tuyl '12 Win Centennial Conference Titles
No. 9: Softball Comeback Stuns Muhlenberg
No. 8: Cantele Reaches 300
No. 7: Women's Lacrosse Reclaims Centennial Conference Title
No. 6: Women's Golf  Repeats as CC Champs
No. 5: Hail Mary Lifts Football Past Ursinus
No. 4: Swimming Repeats CC Sweep
No. 3: Petrie Passes Bream
No. 2: Men's Swimming Takes 14th at NCAAs
No. 1: The Cory Weissman Story