Finn's Files: Keep praying for Lauran

If there’s one thing you learn from participating in competitive athletics, it’s that you never give up. Those who know Lauran Hicks are confident that she embraces that belief, and prayerful that she will prevail.

As you may remember, Lauran was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident this past summer, but all who know her agree that she is a fighter. Her road to recovery has been arduous at times, but progress is being made, including the removal of her neck collar late last month and her tracheotomy tube earlier this month. Lauran’s family, friends, and former teammates remain optimistic, and they are confident that she will, too.

The community has been exceptionally supportive, according to mother, Sandy, who says that Lauran “needs continued prayers for complete healing, both mentally and physically,” adding that it could take up to nine months before doctors can assess her prospects for the future, which would be sometime in the spring. Fortunately, her age, health, and athleticism are playing in her favor.

Of the many strengths of our faith-based community, prayer is certainly chief among them, so I invite you to join with me as we continue to pray for Lauran.

This is a time when we put our school colors aside and root for this young lady and her family. In times like these, we are, after all, one team, one family.

Equal Opportunities

I used to think that certain sports just weren’t appropriate for girls, but I’ve changed my point of view in recent years after realizing that young women can and should have the opportunity to participate in sports traditionally thought to be men’s sports, particularly football and wrestling.

Several years ago, I interviewed two females at Wooster High School who were wrestling and pinning some of her male counterparts. Last month, I watched Western Reserve High School’s Sarah Handke successfully convert two extra-point tries against Northwestern, but what really impressed me was her touchdown-saving tackle on a kickoff. Northwestern ultimately won the game, but Sarah Handke won the day.

I’m still ambivalent about mixed gender competition, probably because I am part of an aging and antiquated demographic, but I will always be a fan of those who courageously step out and challenge the norms. So, for young people like Sarah Handke, I say, “You go, girl.”

Fashion Statement

Have you noticed that football pants are looking more and more like shorts? It used to be that thigh pads and knee pads were essential parts of the uniform, but that is no longer the case, at least not for some of the skill players, particularly the wide receivers.

Given the vulnerability of an athlete’s knee, one would think that padded protection would be appreciated, but with the emphasis on speed, most players feel that the less resistance the better. Besides, those thin knee pads offer little protection against and ACL or MCL injury.

Kyrie the Contrarian

One has to wonder what’s going on with Kyrie Irving. First, he openly rejected the COVID vaccine, then he refused to completely disavow the antisemitic theme of a movie.

Certainly, he has a right to hold and express an opinion, but he is really making his life so difficult, and his suspension, which was lifted recently, was eating away at however much time he has remaining in his playing career.

Sometimes it’s more prudent to keep your thoughts to yourself, especially if they are controversial or inflammatory — and if they interfere with your income.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Finn's Files: Keep praying for Lauran Hicks