Schulte is back on the move — this time, to Paris!

Paul Schulte retired from Paralympic basketball several years ago and has spent years commentating on NBC Sports and as an engineer for Top End Wheelchairs in Orlando, Fla. Mirror file photo courtesy Schulte family.

by Marsha Chartrand

Thirty-five years ago, Paul Schulte was in a serious car accident that left him paralyzed. It could have been devastating for him, but as his mother-in-law, Bonnie Greenwald, says, “There’s not a victim bone in his body.” He learned about wheelchair basketball, and that was all it took.

As soon as he could get out of the house after his recovery from the accident, he was out on the basketball courts at Kirk Park practicing his shots and his speed. “I remember, day after day, pushing my basketball wheelchair as hard and as fast as my body could take through Manchester’s parks and streets. I was taught to work HARDER than I thought I could and to build up teammates everywhere I had them,” he recalled in a 2019 Facebook post.

Positive thinking has been a hallmark of Paul’s life and career throughout his lifetime. Describing growing up in the “very tiny town” of Manchester, where he and his siblings would watch the Olympics, Wolverine Sports, and movies like Hoosiers and Rudy, “which I memorized,” he said with a smile, Schulte learned more about the sport of wheelchair basketball throughout high school and college and made his Paralympic debut in 2000.

Now, at the age of 45, Schulte prepares for his return to the Paralympics, his first as an athlete since 2012. (In the meanwhile, he has done color commentary for NBC Sports, while working as an engineer for Top End Sports in Orlando.) For being in a wheelchair, Paul doesn’t sit around much.

In addition, Paul received a special induction to the 2019 Wall of Fame at Manchester High School. He was awarded the Athletic Achievement Award, newly created that year. Wes Gall, former coach and Athletic Director, explained, “The Athletic Achievement Award is for a Manchester graduate who played in a sport not sponsored by the Manchester schools. This special recognition goes to a person who followed their passion and excelled at the highest level to bring honor to our school and community. I don’t think there is a better recipient for this award than Paul Schulte.”

Over the years, this soft-spoken and humble young man has been to Sydney, Tokyo, Beijing, London, and now is headed to Paris after 12 years of retirement from the Paralympics. He’ll be accompanied by a family cheering section including his wife, Meghan, son, Brady, and his mother-in-law, Bonnie, along with other teammates’ families and friends. Again, building up teammates everywhere he has them. Another hallmark of Paul’s sportsmanship; Manchester can be proud.

Schulte (right) is interviewed by a reporter from Sports ’n’ Spokes magazine about his return to the Paralympic court. Screenshot via YouTube.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.