18 local athletes recognized for overcoming injury

Eighteen Gaston County athletes were recognized Wednesday for their ability to bounce back from injury or other major setback.

Sports Plus Physical Therapy and CaroMont Health sponsored the Gaston Athletics Excellence in Recovery (GAMER) banquet, in which each of the county’s nine public schools honored a male and female athlete.

“We know how hard (the athletes) work to get better and how their heart’s broken when they’re injured,” said Kim Jones, director of physical therapy for Sports Plus. “How very special it is to see them return to play — and not only play, but play well.”

Athletic directors and coaches at each school chose their own award recipients based on criteria set by the Sports Plus staff.

Honorees:

Ashley Nicole Currence, Ashbrook — Overcame eye, knee, wrist and ankle injuries to finish volleyball season.

Austin Scott, Ashbrook — Bounced back from shoulder and knee reconstruction surgeries to start at quarterback for football team his senior season.

Taylor Horney, Bessemer City — One of her basketball team’s top players despite having congenital scoliosis, a condition that has required several surgeries since birth.

Reggie Williams, Bessemer City — Returned earlier than expected from high ankle sprain to lead football team in tackles and earn Gazette defensive-player-of-the-year honors.

Ariel Bumgardner, Cherryville — Overcame ankle injury last basketball season to develop into one of team’s top players.

Evan Anthony, Cherryville — One of football team’s secondary leaders returned early from ankle sprain and also overcame knee sprain.

Victoria Rivera, East Gaston — Injured knee last soccer season but recovered in time to compete for golf team this past fall. Will be soccer team’s starting goalkeeper this spring.

Patrick Zatorski, East Gaston — Played unknowingly with a cracked fibula for several soccer games, then sat out for about six weeks before returning at end of season.

Alexa McCullen, Forestview — Major contributor for volleyball and JV basketball teams this year after suffering inflamed growth plate and wrist injury.

Jason Hall, Forestview — Deep snapper for football team healed early from shoulder injury.

Bry’anne Robbins, Highland Tech — Recovered from shoulder injury to lead volleyball and basketball teams.

Tyler Thomas, Highland Tech — Offensive lineman underwent knee surgery during football season, then returned before end of season, boosting team’s offensive production.

Taylor Jordan, Hunter Huss — Hard-nosed multi-sport star overcame knee and wrist injuries. A softball catcher, she hurt ankle on double play and played next game at third base.

Marshall Williams, Hunter Huss — Quarterback battled multiple knee injuries and a shoulder injury during high school career. Sprained knee this past football season but didn’t miss a game.

Sidney Mitchell, North Gaston — Volleyball player didn’t miss a game (and continued training for softball) despite herniated discs in her back.

Truman Counts, North Gaston — Capable of playing multiple positions, he returned to football team after breaking ankle previous season.

Taylor Mahaffey, South Point — Played through back pain last softball season, posting 1.80 ERA and batting third-highest average on team.

Aaron Crumbley, South Point — Fullback overcame hamstring and ankle injuries to rush for 1,326 yards and area-best 31 TDs despite missing two games. Rushed for five touchdowns in state championship game.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.