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NEWBERRY -- The U.P. Sportswriters/Sportscasters Association has given the Gil Heard Courageous Athlete Award to Abigail Germain, of Engadine High School.
This award is named in honor of Heard, a U.P. sportswriter who was also the Northern Michigan University Sports Information Director and a member of the College Sports Information Directors, and a U.P. Sports Hall of Fame inductee. The Award is given to a high school athlete who has demonstrated great courage in overcoming disabilities or other hardships in achieving athletic excellence.
King played cross country, basketball, golf and track. She won numerous awards, including Coach's Awards and Most Improved.
"I have seen this young lady literally collapse after most races. And she gets back up and does it again," said Steve King of the Newberry News, who nominated her for the award. "A couple years ago, at a track meet, I saw her collapse after running in the mile. Then, get back up, and wave off a very concerned coach, and then run in the 1600m Relay."
About her medical problems, Germain noted, "I have been to a lot of doctors. A lot of times to Marquette. They have done scans and I don't know how many tests. And, they can't figure out what's wrong with me. I do know I have one bulging disc. But, they say that isn't the problem.
"All I know is that when I run, for like cross country, after a mile or two, I go numb from about the waist down." On how she continues to run, she said, "I just think about something else. I try and just make it go away. But, when I stop running, I can't stand and I collapse.
"What I do is to think about the finish line. And, just making it there. I just ignore the numbness and try to keep pushing on."
She also stated, "I am so proud to be selected for this award. I want to thank Stephen King for nominating me and for all of the sportswriters in approving me for this award. It is a great honor. I also want to thank all of my coaches, and especially my parents for believing in me and encouraging me. The support I have received has really helped me to overcome this problem and to continue to be able compete in the sports I love so much."