Eastern Michigan Athletics
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Former Eagle Ryan Downard Continues to Blog from Germany
7/24/2011 9:59:00 PM | Football, E-Gridiron Group
Courtesy of the Lima News
RYAN DOWNARD: Persevering through adversity
Courtesy of the Lima News - July 20, 2010
Finally.
We are in a game week once again.
However, the Dresden Monarchs are facing adversity. After losing one linebacker to family illness back in the States, we have recently found out that our quarterback has two broken bones in his foot.
He will undergo a double surgery on his foot and his hand today. This means that our backup will now take over the quarterback duties and the Wildcat formation will be a part of our offense.
This is professional football though. Injuries happen, teams push forward.
Football is a violent sport and adversity is expected. Then again, life brings more adversity than football ever could.
Over my years of playing ball, obstacles and roadblocks have presented themselves in many different forms. Multiple injuries have hampered me, as they do every college football player.
Two fractured arms, a fractured hand, a torn tendon in my foot, a separated shoulder, concussions, and countless others have created some sleepless nights and pain-filled games.
I've been through new coaching staffs, suspended players, and losing seasons.
But, it is these troubles I have experienced that enable me to appreciate the triumphs. I learned countless lessons about myself and my toughness by playing through broken bones, herniated disks, and plenty of numbing shots.
My team and I learned that hard work pays off no matter how bad things get. We beat Ball State to snap a double-digit losing streak and weeks of adversity.
Tears were shed in the locker room that day because we finally put together a game we could be proud of. It was one we could tell our friends and family about.
The highs and lows are present in any level of sports, but one could argue that the highs are taller and the lows are deeper at the collegiate and professional level because of the amount of time, preparation, and sacrifice put in.
On the other hand, these types of accomplishments by overcoming steep odds are also present in every day of our lives.
All of us have our story, explaining how we got to where we are and what we were challenged with along the way. Maybe you are going through that hardship right now.
Still, remember that you have risen above these difficulties before, and with faith in God's plan for you, and belief in yourself, you will conquer again.
If you are reading this article, you should be proud of yourself for straining through, thankful for your family and friends for the support they show and full of praise for the Lord that you were blessed with the opportunity to become tougher through adversity.
The Dresden Monarchs face the Plattling Black Hawks on Sunday in southern Germany.
It is our turn as a team, as well as mine as an athlete, to exhibit this same attitude and I hope you will keep it in mind throughout your week.
A great high school coach and dear friend of mine once told me in a time of need, “What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.”
Throughout the adversity our team has not perished. In fact, we are alive and thriving and looking forward to Sunday.
Together, let's remember that quote during our times of difficulty and embrace the struggle to become stronger.
Courtesy of the Lima News - July 20, 2010
Finally.
We are in a game week once again.
However, the Dresden Monarchs are facing adversity. After losing one linebacker to family illness back in the States, we have recently found out that our quarterback has two broken bones in his foot.
He will undergo a double surgery on his foot and his hand today. This means that our backup will now take over the quarterback duties and the Wildcat formation will be a part of our offense.
This is professional football though. Injuries happen, teams push forward.
Football is a violent sport and adversity is expected. Then again, life brings more adversity than football ever could.
Over my years of playing ball, obstacles and roadblocks have presented themselves in many different forms. Multiple injuries have hampered me, as they do every college football player.
Two fractured arms, a fractured hand, a torn tendon in my foot, a separated shoulder, concussions, and countless others have created some sleepless nights and pain-filled games.
I've been through new coaching staffs, suspended players, and losing seasons.
But, it is these troubles I have experienced that enable me to appreciate the triumphs. I learned countless lessons about myself and my toughness by playing through broken bones, herniated disks, and plenty of numbing shots.
My team and I learned that hard work pays off no matter how bad things get. We beat Ball State to snap a double-digit losing streak and weeks of adversity.
Tears were shed in the locker room that day because we finally put together a game we could be proud of. It was one we could tell our friends and family about.
The highs and lows are present in any level of sports, but one could argue that the highs are taller and the lows are deeper at the collegiate and professional level because of the amount of time, preparation, and sacrifice put in.
On the other hand, these types of accomplishments by overcoming steep odds are also present in every day of our lives.
All of us have our story, explaining how we got to where we are and what we were challenged with along the way. Maybe you are going through that hardship right now.
Still, remember that you have risen above these difficulties before, and with faith in God's plan for you, and belief in yourself, you will conquer again.
If you are reading this article, you should be proud of yourself for straining through, thankful for your family and friends for the support they show and full of praise for the Lord that you were blessed with the opportunity to become tougher through adversity.
The Dresden Monarchs face the Plattling Black Hawks on Sunday in southern Germany.
It is our turn as a team, as well as mine as an athlete, to exhibit this same attitude and I hope you will keep it in mind throughout your week.
A great high school coach and dear friend of mine once told me in a time of need, “What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.”
Throughout the adversity our team has not perished. In fact, we are alive and thriving and looking forward to Sunday.
Together, let's remember that quote during our times of difficulty and embrace the struggle to become stronger.
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