A Road to Recovery

Published on September 29, 2004 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Central Valley Coyotes News Release


On June 19, 2004, Coyote OL/DL Ricky Leung-Wai found himself in a familiar place but an unfamiliar position.

In the second quarter of the Coyote's game in Bakersfield, where Leung-Wai once played, he injured his leg while blocking. As trainers attended to him, the lineman soon found himself on a stretcher for the first time in his football career.

"I had never been wheeled off in a game," Leung-Wai said. "I haven't been seriously injured in all my years of playing so it was a scary experience."

The third-year lineman was diagnosed with a compound facture, an injury that would sideline him the rest of the year and put him down a much different path of preparation for the off-season as he found himself on crutches for the next three months.

"Right now I am just happy that I am able to walk," he said. "I am not near running yet, but by December I should be ready to try it out."

When Leung-Wai went down, the league lost one of their most efficient defensive linemen. In his three years he ranks ninth in the league in career sacks with 22.5.

In his sixth game as a Coyote, Leung-Wai set a franchise single game high with three sacks for a loss of 15 yards and forced a fumble as he went on to earn "ADT Defensive Player of the Week" honors.

During his two years in Bakersfield, Leung-Wai recorded 33.5 tackles, 16.5 sacks and an interception. Those lofty numbers helped him earn a tryout with the AFL's Las Vegas Gladiators.

Even though Leung-Wai was unable to make the most of that chance, his injury has helped him learn to value not only opportunities but his health.

"This injury is not going to get in the way of my dreams," he said. "It puts a lot in perspective and makes me realize how fortunate I am to be able to play the sport I love."

With the 2005 season not starting until early April, chances are Leung-Wai will be ready to roll as soon as training camp opens up in March.

"We are optimistic he will be ready to go," said Head Coach Fred Biletnikoff Jr. "I am looking forward towards getting that anchor back on defense."

When asked if such a considerable injury was going to make him second guess playing the sport he loves, the injured lineman didn't twice.

"This recovery thing is new to me but it's only making me more anxious," added Leung-Wai. "I am not going to stop until I'm totally broken."

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