Adam Koontz

Let me introduce you to Adam Koontz, just in case you don't know him.

Adam is a huge fan of Maryville High School football.  Huge as in HUGE!   He never misses a game.  In fact, the recent clash with Bearden was his 200th game in a row. 

Think about that.  That's a lot of football games. 

Adam started going to MHS football games in 1999 when he entered Maryville High.  He met football star Chase Anderson in study hall.  Chase invited him to the game and Adam was hooked.

He didn't go to all the games that year but in 2000, he attended every game.  Same thing in 2001 and 2002.

His early string was broken in 2003 when he had to register for Maryville College.  He remembers well that the missed game was against Knox Carter.  He agonized over that one but his scholarship to Maryville College mandated that he be there.

But then the "real" string began, culminating with number 200 on September 23rd.  Had he not missed that game in 2003, his string would be approaching 250!

Rain, heat, cold...it makes no difference to Adam.  He is always there.   I've seen him sitting there covered in snow, soaked to the bone from a driving rain, bearing up to scorching heat.

Same Adam every time.  Not too excitable, he still enjoys every moment. 

And if you want to know anything from the history of those 200 games, just ask him.  His recall is excellent--a living history of MHS football in the last decade and a half. 

He always sits in the same spot for home games.  He and I have developed a bit of a ritual every game where I drop by his spot and we chat about the games.  He always wants the latest injury report.

Then he will give me his opinion about what to expect in the game about to start.  An astute observer of the game, Adam knows football and particularly MHS football better than most.  He always asks my prediction and then gives his own. 

He's more often right than I am.  Predictions made, we fist bump and I'm off to do my job.

This year, he has begun sharing his knowledge of the game and is helping Coach Joey Winders and the Maryville Southerners.  In addition to being an assistant coach, he reviews film and offers his insight to the rest of that coaching staff.

Now a Maryville College graduate, Adam works for Ruby Tuesday.  There is no doubt that he has a passion and a love for Rebel football like few others.

But here's the rest of the story.  Adam has Cerebral Palsy.  He's confined to a wheelchair. 

Cerebral Palsy happens at birth so this is all Adam has ever known.  When you look at Adam, sitting in his chair and whose movements are impacted by his Cerebral Palsy, you might see someone different.

Someone that might take you out of your comfort zone.  But if you will take the time, you will find a warm, engaging young man with a great sense of humor and tons of smarts.

And although he cannot play, he has shown over the years there are many ways to contribute to something you love.

So here's to Coach Koontz and The Streak.  May it last for many more years!