Post by Harleygirl on Mar 2, 2008 23:49:19 GMT -6
www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=7954915
Injured Football Player Honored In Ponchatoula
Updated: March 2, 2008 11:45 PM CST
He remains paralyzed from the middle of his chest to his toes due to a collision on the football field. The accident left Bryce McKinney that way five months ago, but Saturday, folks in his hometown of Ponchatoula threw a celebration to welcome the Defensive End home, after he spent months recuperating at hospitals in Atlanta and Baton Rouge.
Like most kids his age, Ponchatoula Junior Varsity Defensive End Bryce McKinney had big dreams, only his centered around pigskin and one hundred yards of playing field.
"I played since I was nine years old," said McKinney, "and planned on playing until I graduated."
Last September his aspirations were crushed when he collided with a teammate during a game. Bryce spent the last five months recovering in hospitals as far away as Atlanta. For his father Jeffrey it seemed like an eternity.
"I had to stay here and work," says Jeffery McKinney, "and him being away... I'm just glad to have him home."
For the first time since the accident, he's back out in the community, rolling around proudly in his $33 thousand dollar set of wheels. The city of Ponchatoula has rolled out the welcome mat with live entertainment and a gumbo cook off. His coach had perhaps the best ingredients in store for this football star. Bryce got an authenic football signed by Saints running back Reggie Bush and a couple of other goodies that haven't even hit store shelves yet.
"I think it's great they care about me," says McKinney, "because I don't even know half the people here."
If you think this guy won't grace the football field ever again... well, you'd better think again.
"He's still on the roster as #88," said Coach Mike Baiamonte, "and there's no need to do anything different."
Coach Baiamonte just may have gained himself a promising assistant. Bryce's mom is happy to report her precious son has regained some feeling and movement in his legs and toes and she's optimistic that with a little love and support her son will continue making progress.
"We feel with the town and support and prayers and everything they've done... That's really motivated him and in my heart he's going to walk," says Robin McKinney. "It's going to take time but he's going to walk."
Reporter: Cheryl Mercedes, WAFB 9News
Injured Football Player Honored In Ponchatoula
Updated: March 2, 2008 11:45 PM CST
He remains paralyzed from the middle of his chest to his toes due to a collision on the football field. The accident left Bryce McKinney that way five months ago, but Saturday, folks in his hometown of Ponchatoula threw a celebration to welcome the Defensive End home, after he spent months recuperating at hospitals in Atlanta and Baton Rouge.
Like most kids his age, Ponchatoula Junior Varsity Defensive End Bryce McKinney had big dreams, only his centered around pigskin and one hundred yards of playing field.
"I played since I was nine years old," said McKinney, "and planned on playing until I graduated."
Last September his aspirations were crushed when he collided with a teammate during a game. Bryce spent the last five months recovering in hospitals as far away as Atlanta. For his father Jeffrey it seemed like an eternity.
"I had to stay here and work," says Jeffery McKinney, "and him being away... I'm just glad to have him home."
For the first time since the accident, he's back out in the community, rolling around proudly in his $33 thousand dollar set of wheels. The city of Ponchatoula has rolled out the welcome mat with live entertainment and a gumbo cook off. His coach had perhaps the best ingredients in store for this football star. Bryce got an authenic football signed by Saints running back Reggie Bush and a couple of other goodies that haven't even hit store shelves yet.
"I think it's great they care about me," says McKinney, "because I don't even know half the people here."
If you think this guy won't grace the football field ever again... well, you'd better think again.
"He's still on the roster as #88," said Coach Mike Baiamonte, "and there's no need to do anything different."
Coach Baiamonte just may have gained himself a promising assistant. Bryce's mom is happy to report her precious son has regained some feeling and movement in his legs and toes and she's optimistic that with a little love and support her son will continue making progress.
"We feel with the town and support and prayers and everything they've done... That's really motivated him and in my heart he's going to walk," says Robin McKinney. "It's going to take time but he's going to walk."
Reporter: Cheryl Mercedes, WAFB 9News
