When Brookfield Middle School students first saw Brett Eastburn on Friday morning, Eastburn said they gave him "poor guy" looks.

Over one hour later, they were standing in applause and waiting around to talk with a man who was born without arms and legs, but has inspired thousands.

What happened in that hour?

Comedy, honesty and a simple message from a man who embodies the power and will of the human spirit.

"That's why I was born this way," Eastburn told the students, "so that I could live, do what I want to do, have fun doing it and show you that you can do it, too."

Growing up in Indiana, Eastburn participated in baseball, football, basketball and wrestling. In 1988, his hard work and dedication propelled him to fourth place in the national AAU freestyle wrestling competition.

On Friday, he showed off some of these talents to the audience.

Eastburn, who usually gets around in a 280-pound electric wheelchair, was able to leap onto a folding table from which he gave most of his presentation.

He tossed a basketball and football to students in the crowd, broke a wooden board, drew a picture of the cartoon cat Heathcliff and pinned a student on a makeshift wrestling mat, all feats that received rave applause from the enchanted audience.

He also opened a can of Coke and took a drink for two reasons, to show everyone he could do it and because he was thirsty.

"I'm the only guy I know who can draw an applause for opening a can of cola," Eastman said, an indication of his sense of humor.

Early in the program, Eastburn asked the students what their definition of handicapped was.

After a few responses, he gave his own.

"A handicap is something that can slow you down or stop you completely," said Eastburn, who is also a substitute teacher in his hometown area. "It's also an obstacle that can be overcome.

"Just because someone looks like they have a handicap doesn't mean they are."

Eastburn, who travels with his service dog "Murray," has been a motivational speaker since 1990. His inspiring talks have taken him across the United States and to Mexico, Japan and Canada, to name a few countries. He is on the road as much as 200 days each year.

What is most satisfying about speaking to crowds around the world?

"I like to see the transition in their eyes," said Eastburn.

Ken Ondash, the student council adviser at Brookfield Middle School, contacted Eastburn through his Web site, www.bretteastburn.com. Ondash didn't hesitate in identifying what he hoped students took away from the program.

"What we're seeing as educators is a lot of kids saying, 'I can't,' '' Ondash said. "Here's a guy who's saying, 'You can.' ''

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