Sunday, December 03, 2000
High School Insider
Wyoming's Reynolds battles back
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When Michelle Reynolds steps up to the starting block unassisted next week at Milford Natatorium, it will be a major victory for the 17-year-old Wyoming swimmer.
After being diagnosed with cerebellitis on Jan. 1, Reynolds has spent the past 11 months fighting back from that rare viral infection, which attacks the back of the brain.
“I lost all coordination and couldn't walk or talk,” Reynolds said. “I was in Children's Hospital for eight days and then went through three weeks of physical therapy at Drake (Center).”
The intensified therapy was designed to teach Reynolds, who had been confined to a wheelchair throughout the ordeal, to walk and talk again, as well as regain coordination.
Reynolds originally was diagnosed with mononucleosis. But after medication failed to correct the problem, 14 additional doctors became involved and
came up with the proper assessment.
“They ran all types of tests including spinal taps and a CT scan,” Reynolds said. “At first they thought it was a brain tumor. It was a relief when I found out, because it was treatable.”
Despite the illness, Reynolds resumed swimming with the idea of getting physically ready to compete for a spot in the state meet.
“I could swim but I couldn't walk or talk and a lot of nurses at the hospital thought I was retarded,” Reynolds said. “It was frustrating. I knew what I wanted to say but I couldn't say it.”
It also was a difficult time for Reynolds' family. “We had to believe when the doctors kept saying that everything would be back to normal,” her mother, Chris, said. “She recovered pretty quickly once out of the hospital.”
Reynolds qualified for the state meet with a 14th-place finish in the 100 butterfly and was also a member of two relay teams. But she needed assistance while climbing onto the starting blocks.
During the summer, Reynolds competed in several regional and local swim meets and performed up to coach Mike Leonard's expectations.
Reynolds is optimistic about this season.
“My goal is to win a state championship,” Reynolds said. “I've been to state three times and never won. This will be my last chance.”
COACHES WANTED: Ursuline is looking for assistant track coaches with field-event and sprint backgrounds. Call Diane Redmond at 791-8143.
SWEET 17: Brooke Holman's 17th birthday on Thursday is one the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy junior will remember for a long time.
Shooting 70 percent from the field, Holman marked the occasion by scoring 17 points in the Eagles' 53-40 upset of Division I Milford.
SOUND OF MUSIC: Marching bands at many small schools often include athletes, including football players.
However, it's rare when a musician also is also one of the best athletes at the school, winning numerous honors in two major sports.
But Ryan Pattison, a 6-foot-2, 215 pound senior at Ma deira, is one such athlete.
He is an Associated Press first-team Division IV All State nose guard and the Cincinnati Hills League Defensive Player of the Year, leading the area in sacks and tackles for losses with 39. He also is the center on offense.
Pattison also is also a standout wrestler and is ranked one of the top 10 215-pounders in Division III.
All this, and he plays trumpet in the band, too.
BASEBALL'S BEST: If the Buckeye Scouting News is on target, it will be another good baseball season for the Cincinnati area.
In the November edition, BSN showcases the top 10 players and also rates players in eight categories. Five of its top 10 players are local.
Mike Ferris, an outfielder for Colerain, is ranked No.5 followed by Mason's Paul Hammond (No.6), Princeton's Shaun Harrison (No.7), La Salle's Reggie Watson (No.9) and Lakota East's Tim Day (No.10).
In the 60-yard dash, Richie Jones from Elder is ranked No.2. Hamilton pitcher Steve Polen is No.2 in velocity.
Arm-strength honors went to Doug Kruthaupt from La Salle, and Moeller's Justin McNeely was No.3. and Fairfield's Jason Bowlin was rated the pitcher with the best curveball.
Pat LeMasters from St. Xavier was rated the best hitter and Kruthaupt was No.3.
On the cover of the monthly publication is an action photograph of St. Xavier shortstop Keith Jackson, who is one of four featured players.
Sports Stories
LeBeau's job rides on today's game
Saints' offer still haunts Bengals
Last chance for a W
Who's got the edge?
Bengals-Cardinals by the numbers
Players to watch
NFL Insider
SULLIVAN: Concepcion getting short shrift from Hall voters
Wisconsin 61, Xavier 46
McAfee struggles at small forward
WXIX blames satellite
Xavier women 89, Wis.-Green Bay 74
Marshall to play UC in bowl
Bearcats using down time to learn
UC women 84, Coastal Carolina 55
High School Insider
