When Linnell Jones-McKenney was eight years-old, she had a clear picture of who she would become and what she would do with her life. “I had a dream I’d play professional basketball, work with young people and I would establish a youth activity center,” said Linnell, 56, a Flint native, basketball legend, 2002 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame inductee and 2005 Greater Flint Area Hall of Fame inductee, who has miraculously accomplished two of the three visions she had as a child.
Last month, in his final act as a high school athlete, Grant Fisher donned a resplendent tuxedo, shiny black dress shoes and his trademark smile for a walk down the ESPY Awards Red Carpet.
LEXINGTON, OH. July 28, 2015. American paralyzed Pro Mazda racer, Michael Johnson, is prepared to compete at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course this weekend. After completing nearly four months of rehab for injuries sustained during a practice incident earlier this year, Johnson is ready to get back on the track and restart his racing career.
LEXINGTON, OH. (July 2, 2015) – American paralyzed racer Michael Johnson officially wrapped up a three-month rehabilitation from injuries sustained from a practice incident in March, to resurface for a Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course earlier this week. Johnson’s return marked a long journey after sustaining fractures to his hip and pelvis on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., which included a nearly three-week stay at a Florida hospital that involved surgery and a lengthy road back to the racetrack.
At times, even NASCAR’s most elite drivers have occasionally struggled to keep up with the Joneses.
“We have a great group of guys who are great to play hockey with and hang out with,” said Mark Look, who was tied for the team scoring lead 24 games into the season with 19 goals and 11 assists. “We’ve become a close group on the ice and know each other’s strengths.” Look’s sentiments are echoed by Cody Damon, who was part of several successful junior teams in three states. “What I love about this team is playing with a group that has so much heart and works hard together,” said Damon, who contributed 13 goals and 13 assists in his first 20 games of the season.
“My coach told us and I was pretty excited,” the soft-spoken Gloster said. “I’m so excited about maybe winning a trophy and medal. I’m a little nervous, but want to help my team do their best.” Some of Gloster’s teammates, like 19-year-old Drew Callahan, are more vocal when it comes to expressing their thoughts, and while he’s excited too, he’s not looking forward to every part of the experience. “I won’t like the airplane ride,” Callahan admitted, “but I am excited about helping the team and trying to take the trophy home. I love spiking the ball and having fun out there. We do need to improve stuff like calling for the ball when it comes by us and staying in our own areas, but we’re really excited about competing.”
The 57-year-old Flint native has been enthralled with the sport since he was a teen playing in church leagues and experienced plenty of success as a player. He helped Ball State University to the national Division 1 semifinals, earning all-conference honors there and at Kellogg Community College.
Anthony Dirrell will always treasure his moments spent with the “The Greatest.”
Michael Johnson has only sketchy memories of the moment that will impact the rest of his life.
