|
Smyrna Teen Inspires Teammates-John Dunn
FOX 17 News
It was a must win game for the Smyrna Bulldogs as they took on Oakland, and Smyrna was counting on their smallest player.
He is a young man who has overcome his own disability to inspire his teammates both on and off the field.
Football is not a sport for the feint of heart. It is a good thing Cody Noyes' heart is as big as they come.
"I love Smyrna football, absolutely love it. I wouldn't trade it for the world," says Noyes.
For four years the Smyrna High School Senior has been the team's motivational coach.
It is a role befitting a young man born with cerebral palsy who never seems to meet a challenge that can't be overcome.
"My job basically in a nutshell is to get them to believe that they can do anything, which they can," says Noyes
Make no mistake, although Cody's disability may keep him on the sidelines, he is an essential part of this them.
"He can take on the world. His disability doesn't matter. He loves Smyrna football and there's nothing going to stop him," says Smyrna Senior Drew Garner.
When the team is losing and needs a lift, it turns to Number 99.
"I wish he was out there with us, because I know for me it would keep me going even more," says Smyrna Senior Travail Watts.
Before each game, and sometimes during half time, Cody gives a motivational speech. His teammates count on it.
Those speeches must be pretty good, Cody has two state championship rings to show for it.
"And I just do what I do, and if it inspires you that's fine. If it doesn't that's fine too, but I just live life. I live it to the fullest," says Noyes.
Smyrna's secret weapon will not see any playing time this year, but for these last few games he will dress in full pads and uniform.
"I'm so blessed for what God has put in my life already. I'm only 18, God knows what's coming up next. I'm just along for the ride," says Noyes.
It is the definition of team. Some will star, others support, and a few inspire.
Cody Noyes is also an inspiration in the classroom.
He has a 3.8 GPA, and was named Beaman's Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Smyrna Teen Inspires Teammates-John Dunn
Posted: Thursday, October 29 2009, 09:00 PM CDT
|
