Coach J.R. and Project Walk

    CHS Football Coach Sid Edwards says often that Wildcat football is about more than 10 Friday nights, and J.R. Owens is a great example of what else matters to Coach Sid.  Coach J.R. Owens is on the sidelines on those 10 Friday nights, but this past two weeks has been pursuing his goal of gaining independence and perhaps even walking again.
    J.R., referred to by Coach Sid as the team’s Motivational Coach, was paralyzed in a dirt bike accident 10 years ago as sophomore at Northeast High School.  The past several years Coach Sid and the Wildcat football team have led the $10,000 fund-raising effort to send Coach J.R. to Project Walk, Houston, a cutting edge therapy program designed to increase independence for persons with spinal cord injuries.
    Coach J.R. shared that the two weeks at Project Walk showed him that he has more strength and mobility than doctors believed he would ever have.  He says he is determined to gain more independence and even some day to walk onto the field at Wildcat Stadium.
    J.R. expressed thanks to all in the Central community who helped to make this possible financially, as the expense for the two-week program was almost $8,000.  He shared that the trip would not have been possible without the company of Holly Miller and Danielle Thomas who made the trip to Houston to help out.
    The Project Walk staff encouraged Coach J.R. to return in six months to take the next steps forward toward health and independence.  Anyone wishing to contribute to making J.R.’s next trip possible can contact Central Speaks at 262-3730 and we will put you in touch with J.R. or Coach Sid.