Inspiration through injury
Evan Harper, Staff Writer
Injuries are a college athlete’s worst fear. With an injury, dreams can be gone within a blink of an eye. Justin Collins, a senior lacrosse player at North Greenville University, has not given up just yet after suffering a shoulder injury his freshman year.
His exact diagnosis his freshman year was a torn rotator cuff, which is a rip in the group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Unfortunately, the injury got worse and Justin has not played a full season at North Greenville yet.
Last spring in March, Collins went into surgery in hopes of getting rid of his shoulder issues for good. Since then, Justin has been working on recovery and attending rehab with the team trainer. Coming into the fall this year, Justin is still in rehab and aims to play his first full season with the crusaders in February.
Justin hasn’t stepped on the field since his initial injury, but this year he can finally participate in team lifts — strictly doing lower body exercises. Since Justin hasn’t been able to participate in team practices on the field, he helps the team in any way he can by doing the shot clock, controlling the music and even getting his teammates fired up.
“I mean, yes, it definitely sucks — but it’s all about keeping a positive attitude and keep pushing forward,” Collins continued, “Most kids that go through this will just quit and give up the sport they love.”
Seeing Collins battle all the way up to his senior year is something all the young guys on the team can look up to. To see his dedication and how much love he has for his sport makes him a great role model.
If everything keeps going the way it has been, Justin will play this season and overcome his injury once and for all. He is also hoping to stay for a fifth year if there are no further issues with his rotator cuff.
The amount of excitement Collins’ teammates have for him just shows the brotherhood of the men’s lacrosse team.
*Featured Image: North Greenville men’s lacrosse team – photo courtesy of nguathletics.com.
