Edwards Overcoming Obstacles

By Lew
October 5, 2004

Edwards overcoming obstacles and making noise for Wylie
By Troy Shockley / Reporter-News Staff Writer
October 5, 2004

For most players on the field, the noise coming from the stands on Friday nights can seem almost deafening.

For Gary Edwards, it very often is.

In addition to his proficiency at making the big plays when his team needs them the most, there is one thing which sets the Wylie High School sophomore apart from most of his peers - something many would see as a handicap.

He can only hear with the assistance of hearing aids.

But, as far as the Bulldogs' speedy receiver is concerned, that's just another fact of life.

''Most people are cool, but sometimes people do make fun of me,'' he said. ''When they're making fun of me, I just try to ignore them. I mean, this is just how God made me. Not everybody's perfect, and people all have things about them that are different.''

Another thing different about Edwards is his dogged determination that drives him to succeed. After having his appendix removed Aug. 16, Edwards missed only the season opener against San Angelo Lake View. He was back in the purple and gold Sept. 3 for Wylie's home opener against Midland Greenwood, catching two passes for a total of 68 yards to lead all Wylie receivers.

''Gary is a unique young man,'' coach Hugh Sandifer said. ''I think it's a success story that people can look up to, seeing him overcome the problems he has. Gary works really hard, and I know it's frustrating for him at times. But he never uses it (his limited hearing) as an excuse or a reason he didn't do something, even though it sometimes is.''

Taking on challenges - like returning to full-contact drills mere weeks after surgery - is something Edwards has grown accustomed to. The problem with his hearing is nothing new, and in fact is something he has had to deal with for much of his life. Edwards began losing his hearing when he was only a few years old. His parents, he said, realized there was a problem when he began to constantly turn up the volume while watching television. Soon, without the assistance of the hearing aids doctors would eventually prescribe, Edwards wasn't able to hear much more than a murmur.

He said football has long been a part of his life, and he has learned methods of dealing with all the problems that arise in regard to his hearing difficulties in order to be on the field. He freely admitted, though, they don't always work.

''Sometimes in game nights, with all the people screaming, it's really hard to hear the plays,'' Edwards said. ''Sometimes I do miss them, and I do make mistakes. But mistakes happen. I just try to learn off of them if they do.''

Those mistakes, he said, have become more and more infrequent. He said any time he needs a little extra help it is gladly offered. Players and coaches alike will repeat plays and spend extra time with Edwards after practice to ensure he has learned what he needs. In addition, Edwards has learned to read his quarterback's lips to ''hear'' the play as well as learning the signals coach Sandifer sends in to his quarterback.

Sandifer said it is that attitude that will make Edwards an oft-mentioned name at Bulldog Stadium for years to come.

''He's got a lot of God-given ability and he's already made some big plays,'' he said. ''And I think his best plays are still coming. He wants to do well and I think he will do whatever it takes to get it done.''

Doctors have told Edwards that while his hearing has not degenerated over the years, it has not improved, either. That, they said, is what should be expected in the future as well. Edwards, though, isn't quite as sure and remains - as always - positive. He said despite what the doctors say, he believes there has been a slight improvement in recent years.

''Yeah, the doctors say it won't get better, but I think it will,'' he said. ''I think I'll be able to hear better some day. But, for now, I just thank God for helping me get where I am.''

Contact sports writer Troy Shockley at shockleyt@reporternews.com or 676-6773

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