THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506220242
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 54 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Everyone was optimistic about the 1994-95 men's basketball season at Chowan College, including Thad Forehand.
Forehand, who averaged six points per game and five rebounds per game in his freshman year, came on strong the last half of the 1993-94 season, pushing his average up to 10 points per game.
Forehand, who averaged 29 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and three blocked shots per game at Camden County High School his senior year, was expected to be an integral part of the Braves offense in 1994-95.
Then, disaster struck.
In a freak accident on the first day of practice, Forehand's big toe and metatarsal bone separated from the rest of his right foot while he made a jab step. At first, doctors in Ahoskie said he would be back on the court in four weeks. A foot specialist dashed all hopes of him returning at all that season when X-rays showed more damage than was first thought.
Forehand, who could pop a 3-pointer or block a shot at will while playing for the Bruins, went through mixed emotions.
``At first I wasn't too upset because I finished up preseason conditioning and I felt I would be ready for the first game,'' he said. ``But then having to go to practice the next day on crutches, that devastated my life at that time.''
Forehand had surgery at Chesapeake General hospital on Nov. 1, 1994. He was on crutches and in a cast for over two months and couldn't run for six months. He has been rehabilitating at Camden County High School by lifting weights, running, and shooting. Progress has been slow but steady.
``I can see progress. My time in the mile is getting better and my right calf is getting bigger,'' he said. ``As far as shooting, I've still got it.''
Being able to run again will be important for Forehand in the Braves' offense. Head coach Bob Burke used Forehand as the 3-point shooter in the fast break offense. Most likely he will see a larger role in the offense in 1995-96. Chowan was 10-15 last year after losing three starters.
Dealing with the mental aspect of the game may be Forehand's toughest hurdle.
``It's been a struggle for me as far as mental stress,'' he said. ``This was the first season I've missed since fourth grade. You just don't have a season-ending injury without having mental stress. Some nights I lie awake thinking why did this happen.
``But it makes me appreciate having the ability to play ball,'' he added. ``I want to practice hard and make the most of the rest of my college career.'' by CNB