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Wheelchair rugby provides outlet for paralyzed athletes
Wheelchair rugby provides outlet for paralyzed athletes
MILWAUKEE -- One moment, they were able-bodied athletes and the next, wheelchair bound for life. But "wheelchair rugby" has opened up an entire new world for some courageous athletes, who won't take the challenges they've been dealt sitting down.
Wheelchair rugby coach Ken Matthews is a former player himself.
"Actually, that became kind of the anchor that I've gotta get better. I've gotta do something to get back into sports. When I first was paralyzed, I didn't think there was anything I'd ever be able to do. That's really the beauty of the game -- it's about getting guys going, and getting guys to keep going," Matthews said.
The team is made up of guys like Kevin Kramer -- an ex-high school and college athlete who was paralyzed in a sports accident.
"When I got out of surgery, the next day I watched a documentary on the paralympic rugby team, and I thought they were crazy. It's something unique. I've never seen some of this before in my life, and when you're out there, you're not in a wheelchair. You're just playing a sport," Kramer said.
Luis Classen broke his neck in a driving accident. He was introduced to the sport a year after his injury, while volunteering at Froedtert Hospital as a mentor. Classen waited a year and a half before taking up the sport.
"I'm mad that I didn't do it sooner, because it helps out a whole lot -- physically, psychologically -- everything. I get to see other people that are in the same shoes I am," Classen said.
Lonna Rahn serves as a volunteer for the athletes.
"It has been eye opening, because before, with anyone in a wheelchair, it's like, I didn't know anything about them, and I didn't know how to react with them. I don't know any of these guys as being disabled. They're all so active and they live a full life, and it's really exciting to be able to be involved in all of this," Rahn said.
Those who come to a wheelchair rudby game can expect to see some hard hits!
The guys don't have a monopoly on wheelchair rugby. Katie Yench is believed to be the youngest person in the state to have multiple sclerosis. She was 14 when she suffered her first attack.
Someone told Yench about wheelchair rugby when she was at Froedtert Hospital getting intense physical therapy.
"I basically just thought it sounded hardcore! It feels good. It's a way to get out there and do something and not sit at home and feel sorry for myself," Yench said.
Like her fellow players, Yench more than gets by with a little help from her friends and family.
"They've been lifesavers. It's tough for me to get out. Just like any of these guys, it's tough to get out," Yench said.
Getting out is the key. Coach Matthews' message should resonate with all of us, no matter what our challenge in life.
"If you want to give up, you can, but if you don't want to give up, there are a lot of us out there that are willing to help out. There's a huge network of folks, and we're helping each other all the time," Matthews said.
If you are dealing with a physical challenge or interested in playing wheelchair rugby, CLICK HERE to visit IndependenceFirst's website, and CLICK HERE for more information on the Milwaukee Iron Wheelchair Rugby team.