Lee's Sabbatini hungry to make up for lost season

[Beamerball 566]

http://www.timesnews.net/article.dna?_StoryID=3536643

 

Generals' Sabbatini hungry to make up for lost season

 

By JACK GOODSON

Times-News

 

JONESVILLE - Aug. 18, 2004.

 

The first day of school ... and the last of Frank Sabbatini's junior football season.

 

During a preseason scrimmage with Lebanon, the Lee High fullback took an option pitch.

 

When the play was over, Sabbatini's right fibula had been broken in three places.

 

"I hit the defensive end and heard something snap," recalled Sabbatini, who was scheduled to start at fullback as well as middle linebacker in 2004. "I thought I had sprained my ankle at first."

 

But, to his dismay, it was much worse.

 

While the scrimmage took place on a Thursday, it was Monday before Sabbatini saw a specialist at the Norton Rehabilitation and Sports Clinic.

 

Later that day, while attending a training session, the New Orleans-born Sabbatini heard the news from his coaches.

 

"When they told me, I was like, ‘No way, y'all are joking,'" he said. "I called my mom to find out for sure and she said it was true."

 

After seeing the X-rays for himself, Sabbatini started coming to terms with what had occurred - and what lie ahead.

 

With six to eight weeks of recovery and a period of physical therapy to follow, Sabbatini saw his junior season fade before it even began.

 

Instead of sulking, he set several goals - including making it back before the end of the '04 season.

 

"I told myself I had to get stronger, no matter what," he said. "I lifted everyday. I started out squatting 95 pounds and went to as many games as I could."

 

Sabbatini's work ethic needed little motivation, but he received plenty from the Lee coaching staff and players.

 

"The guys would hit the gym with me," he said. "They did what they could to help with weights, motivation, whatever.

 

"It was a great feeling to have my teammates behind me."

 

Although he made exceptional progress, Sabbatini failed to return to the field last fall.

 

While such a setback could have ruptured his confidence, it has only fueled his drive.

 

"He's coming back for his senior season hungrier than ever," Lee coach Gary Wolfe said. "Nobody has worked harder than him. He has been in the weight room every day."

 

Now, after nearly a year, Sabbatini is back to 100 percent and training with the Generals for the upcoming season.

 

His recovery has the Generals excited and, with a bulk of last year's roster intact, eager to rebound from two straight 1-9 seasons.

 

Sabbatini is a gleaming example of this new mentality in Jonesville.

 

"I believe it's going to be better," Sabbatini said. "There aren't going to be any more 1-9 seasons around here. We're going to give the Highlands District a run for its money."

 

Wolfe agreed: "His attitude is right where it needs to be."

 

And while this season has yet to begin, life after high school is already on Sabbatini's mind.

 

While he hopes to continue his football career at the college level - Tusculum and Concord University, where his brother Robert starts at linebacker, have shown interest - his injury has made that journey harder than expected.

 

Just don't expect Sabbatini to let that stop him.

 

"I would love to play in college," he said. "This injury has hurt my chances, but I just have to continue to work hard and stay dedicated.

 

"It'll happen."

[nicholasm79 10]

Speaking as a Lee alumnus (gasp), I certainly hope they can turn it around. I'll keep an eye on them, even though I will be keeping tabs on stuff in Northeast TN more than SW VA :-P