Listening to the pop of his ACL, Jason Taormino’s football season took a very different turn for him. Nothing could’ve prepared him for the moment his ACL got badly sprained. During the second week of football season in a home game against Woodcreek Aug. 29, Taormino got injured, changing his season more than he could’ve ever expected.
“My injury ended up taking half of my junior season, but I continued to be a leader on the field, during practice and at games. Off the field while injured, I tried to strengthen my relationships with friends, family and teammates,” Taormino said.
As a co-captain, Taormino’s injury has not only affected him as an athlete, but also his teammates and his family’s lives as well.
“Being injured showed me how much people care about me. I received so much love and support from close friends, teammates and family.” Taormino said. “They all showed me [that] everything was going to be okay and they helped me push through a rough spot in my season.”
During his healing period, Taormino has helped coach the JV football team to stay involved in football.
One of the players he coached was his own brother, Caden Taormino. Caden felt that his freshman year playing football greatly benefited his first season. He often received help from Jason to improve his position as a linebacker with his reads.
Before Jason’s injury Caden said, “[Watching his games] was fun. It was fun playing my game and then going and watching him play. It sucked when [the injury] happened because I couldn’t watch him play anymore, but now he’s back.”
The two brothers share a close bond and even wear the same #13 jerseys to honor their mom’s birthday. With this experience Caden Taormino said “[he’s] felt more comfortable talking [with Jason Taormino.]”
Jason’s teammate on the varsity team, Tyler Ralls, feels that the team has fought hard throughout the season and continued to despite the immense injuries team members sustained. The team built up a strong bond, connecting them closely as they played through the remainder of the season.
Ralls said, “[Jason’s] a key player on the team. He’s definitely a two way starter, he’s a captain, and so he brings a lot of energy to the field. So when he went down, it was tough to see him. You know, the love he has for the sport is unlike any I’ve seen. And just, seeing him not be able to play breaks my heart, and I would do anything for him, just so he’d get back, and I know he would do anything to get back and play with us. So it’s just been hard. But, he’s been a leader on the sidelines, so he’s been helping us out with that.” ______________________________________________________________________
by JULIETTE CASTRO & ADDISON WONG
