The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper: Features

Although injuries have plagued the Eagles' roster, they continue to advance in post-season play. (Photo by Loren Hewitt)

Abbott, Stebbins, others struck down

By Calla Mounkes

October 17, 2006

Silver Lake students are typically expected to excel at athletic-related pursuits, especially football. Creating a state-worthy team is an annual trial for the slew of coaches. Breaking records is not unheard of, but this year, Silver Lake is breaking more than records. Two of this year's football players have already been incapacitated and will have to relinquish play for the season.

Senior Austin Abbott has participated in athletics his entire high school career. His mainstay in fall sports the last three years has been cross country. However, he decided this year to partake in football. Abbott's participation in football can be traced back to his junior high days. Due to pressure from his friends, he decided to join the football team this year.

"A couple of my friends wanted me to go out for it, Keaton and Marty. I just wanted to help out the team," said Abbott.

Despite his verve for assisting his friends in the sport, luck wasn't on his side. In the first football game of the season, Abbott spiral broke his tibia. Abbott's injury will definitely sideline him for the season and may infringe on his upcoming basketball season. His frustration was obvious.

"I was pretty disappointed. I had to go through all the practices and two-a-days all for half a game," said Abbott.

Previous to the fateful game, the coaches were optimistic about Abbott's performance for the season. He was on his way to becoming a remarkable receiver, according to football coaches Warren Bledsoe and CJ Hamilton.

"Abbott was going to be a great receiver. He had very good instincts and very good hands," said Hamilton.

"Before the game, I thought he was a really good receiver. After the first two quarters, I knew he was a great receiver. He had the chance to be great. I was really disappointed for him. He had been playing so well, had a great start, and great potential. It was his first game since junior high. His career was so short," said Bledsoe.

Abbott's teammate Keaton Taylor shared similar sentiments about the setback.

"I feel that it is tragic because it was his first game in his high school career and it will keep him from returning to football and also some of basketball," said Taylor.

Although disappointed about his lack of future football play, Abbott was more worried about the basketball season and the implications on his more distant future.

"I was really scared about basketball because that's what I plan on going to college for. Hopefully, now, I won't miss any because of my recovery.

" I plan on playing basketball in college. The caliber of school I go to might change a little bit due to the recruiting. I'll probably get slowed down a little bit due to my injury," commented Abbott.

Since the injury occurred, Abbott has undergone surgery and endured much pain to help secure his opportunities for the future. The actual injury entailed the spiral break of Abbott's tibia. At the time, the doctors speculate his knee dislocated but relocated itself with the pressure from the fall. Abbott will have four screws permanently in his leg and an inch-wide sheet of titanium from the kneecap to the ankle.

On Oct. 12, doctors decided that Abbott could go without the crutches. However, Abbott will be using the injured leg with great trepidation to lessen the risk of further injury. He currently is able to bike, use the elliptical, and do toe raises and wall squats. Although his therapy is off to a productive start, the doctors have conflicting opinions when he will be free to do as he pleases: one says a week before basketball season, the other says after Christmas break.

Many players have had their football careers cut short this season due to injuries. (Photo by Loren Hewitt)

Abbott gave the reason why, even without the crutches, he needed therapy and a sabbatical from athletics before returning to the court.

"After the cast comes off, I'll have to get my ankle back so it can support my leg and get the flexibility back in my knee and all the ligaments because they'll have been at rest so long," said Abbott.

Abbott's hopes for the basketball season hinge on his recovery.

" I am hoping that I won't miss any basketball, but I know with my release date, I won't be 100 percent for a while and that worries me, but I'll work as hard as I can to recover best," said Abbott.

In addition to fate's elimination of Abbott from play, the team experienced another loss. Sophomore Trae Stebbins also endured a disheartenment when he compound fractured his leg at practice.

Stebbins' predicament likewise aggravated him because of his zeal for sports and his inactivity in school events.

"I was very frustrated because I knew that I would be out for a long period of time. I also knew that it would bring physical strength down," said Stebbins.

His fervor for sports is due in part to his stepfather.

"I get my athletic inspiration from my stepdad because he is a very athletic person and he also played college basketball," said Stebbins.

Bledsoe noted how lively Stebbins was and what he contributed to the team.

"We really miss Trae because he brought a lot of energy to practice every day. Hopefully Trae will heal quickly and return to normal activity," said Bledsoe.

Although doctors first anticipated that Stebbins could have been out for the entire year and into the coming summer, his plight is looking up.

Stebbins will likely be out for three to four months from athletic participation and will partake in therapy in two or three months.

Baseball coach Alan Cunningham felt how grievous the loss of Stebbins would have been to the team and commented on his value.

"Trae is one of the few players that has no fear-- no fear of the baseball, no fear of failure, no fear of the opponent," said Cunningham.

Along with these injuries, the team has suffered other minor ones. Freshmen Joe Priddy and Cameron Lambert injured their left hands, sophomore Kyle Wichman fractured his hand, and sophomore DJ Johnson had to have a plate inserted in his right ring finger.

Cunningham noted how good constitution is sometimes taken for granted.

"My first reaction when I hear of any injury like Trae's or Austin Abbott's is sympathy for the player missing the season. You only have a limited number of opportunities to compete in high school. These types of injuries are a stark reminder that we should never take our days of good health for granted!" said Cunningham.