Revitalizing a Fallen Athlete (Part 2 of 4)

Living Out Dreams, Masking My Problems and Changing My Plans

I found myself writing stories in the sports office at 19 News, out at Cleveland Browns OTAs and mini-camp or credentialed for Cleveland Indians games. I was living a dream. Not only was my internship great but I was also offered an opportunity to become the color commentator for Cleveland SC, a semi-professional soccer team. Home games for their 2019 season would be played at Baldwin Wallace’s George Finnie Stadium which was perfect for me with only being a few blocks away. I was witnessing my broadcasting career take massive strides in the right direction.

At the very end of May, I needed to attend a wedding down in Cincinnati. In order to make that work, I had to travel to my parent’s house and stay one night with them. The next day, we drove down to Cincinnati in separate vehicles because I needed to head back to Cleveland after the wedding reception due to my first Cleveland SC game the next day. I was exhausted but made it through the wedding just fine. I was still okay at the wedding reception but once it was time to eat, my right ear started to tingle. It had become my warning sign.

The room started to bounce and I was nauseous. I hurried to the bathroom and just hid in the stall so I could get away from everyone. I just wanted to leave and lay down. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t seem to recover and went out to my truck and reclined back in the passenger seat. My parents immediately said their goodbyes and left to get me to their hotel room. Plans had drastically changed. There was no possible way I could drive so they made the executive decision to let me sleep, then they would drive me up in the morning.

The next morning, the nearly four-hour trip began and I slept most of the way. Once we got back to my apartment, they were able to get a slight bit of food in my system before I arrived for my first game call. I was weak, my legs were shaking, my head was pounding and I felt awful. I knew I had a job to do and I virtually put a mask over my face. I acted like I was okay even though I thought I might fall down just from not being able to hold my body up.

That was the first time I met my broadcast partner Vince McKee who has become a dear friend in addition to colleague. We had an amazing call of that game and the chemistry instantly clicked. Just standing, watching the game and talking about it was all my body could handle. I pushed myself past the limit but the listeners and Vince had no idea anything was wrong. I was then offered the permanent spot as a commentator for the team. I was relieved, thankful and excited when I returned home. I then was done completely for the day because I had expended the only energy my body had in the tank.

While in the hospital the second time, I already realized my soccer career was over because I was in too much pain and too weak to even lift or do yoga anymore. There was no way I would be able to run or train for the season. I just needed to find the words and announce it to the coaches and the team. Less than six months after sitting in the coaches’ office asking to switch positions, I was back to forgo my senior season due to medical issues. I genuinely cared about the team and still wanted to be involved but I knew my abilities as a broadcaster would be more valuable than on the field as a player anymore. I was no longer a player but I was blessed with the chance to be a commentator for Baldwin Wallace Athletic Communications as well as the video content creator for the men’s soccer team. My health issues were becoming a blessing in disguise for my future career.