Drew Hixon welcomed back to Tenn Tech

[Papa_Bull]

Still Standing

Published: Jan 30, 2005

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - After being gone for the past four months, Drew Hixon finally returned to Tennessee Tech on Saturday night.

On Drew Hixon Night, the injured wide receiver was recognized not for being an All- American or for having a stellar football career at Tennessee Tech. Instead, thousands of well-wishers were on hand at the Eblen Center to show their support, love and concern for Hixon and his family.

``This is an outstanding night for Tennessee Tech,'' TTU president Bob Bell said. ``We are delighted to welcome Drew and his family.''

Hixon was welcomed back after suffering a near-death experience on the football field Sept. 11.

The week after catching a career-high nine passes for 80 yards, including the game- winning touchdown, in Tech's 32-26 victory over Gardner- Webb, Hixon and the Golden Eagles traveled to Tampa to take on South Florida.

Early in the second quarter, Hixon hauled in a 22-yard pass from quarterback Robert Craft but was sandwiched between two USF defenders on the play. The hit was legal, but Hixon lay motionless on the turf for several minutes.

After being strapped to a body board, he was carted off the field and taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a brain injury.

Hixon stayed in a coma for several weeks while family, friends, teammates and coaches hoped and prayed for him.

Four months later, he held a microphone at center court and spoke from his heart.

``This is really special,'' he said. ``This really means a lot to me. I want to thank everyone who has said prayers for me.''

Hixon's speech was a little slower and more deliberate than it was before the injury, and there were some other noticeable differences in the ``New Drew,'' who was welcomed back with a thunderous standing ovation by the 6,000 fans who understood that the fact that he is speaking and walking at all is like a miracle in itself.

``I want to thank my parents. They have been there for me a lot. They chauffeur me around, because I can't drive myself,'' Hixon said with a laugh.

Hixon basically has had to learn how to live again. The little things many people take for granted - walking, talking, reading and writing - are challenges for the 22-year-old from Kennesaw, Ga., who is living with his parents, Stan and Rebecca, in Virginia.

The Hixon family credits its faith in God for helping it cope with Drew's injury. After running the gamut of emotions during his struggle to survive, Hixon's parents have the satisfaction of seeing their son progress each day.

``We can't thank you enough,'' Rebecca Hixon said to the near-capacity crowd. ``We know that many, many of you have been thinking of Drew. None of this would have been possible without almighty God. We were praying to a god who answers prayers, and you haven't been sending prayers up in the air. We give God the glory.''

Hixon's presence at Tech's basketball doubleheader against Tennessee State ignited interest and intrigue from media across the country, as well as those who have followed his progress.

The Golden Eagles faithful evoked big smiles from Hixon and his family. In turn, Hixon gave the purple-and-gold something to smile about.

``I do plan on coming back to Tech,'' the senior said, setting off a deafening ovation. ``I'm going to be here in the fall and finish my two classes and graduate.''

With the student section chanting ``Let's go Drew,'' Hixon accepted a couple of token gifts from Tech officials, one of which was a collage of pictures. Hixon then waved to the crowd and headed back to his seat in the stands, where he signed autographs and watched the rest of the game.

``Everyone here at Tennessee Tech wanted to show Drew how much we care about him,'' TTU athletic director Mark Wilson said. ``This was just a way to honor him and his family for what they have been through.''

Buddy Pearson is the sports editor of the (Cookeville, Tenn.) Herald-Citizen.

http://bulls.tbo.com/bulls/MGBO7DJQK4E.html

[Guest wildrover]

That's a good story, I think we've all been worried about that kid.  

Howie I think you Meant Tenn Tech though, not Texas Tech.  No biggie  

[smazza]

nice and sad

[E.T.]

Best Wishes and keep fighting !

[Papa_Bull]

That's a good story, I think we've all been worried about that kid.  

Howie I think you Meant Tenn Tech though, not Texas Tech.  No biggie  

Thanks. I had a feeling something wasn't right when I typed that. I changed it.