Return to field part of Thunder's ongoing recovery
March 20, 2007 - World Indoor Football League 2 (WIFL 2)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Getting over tragedy can be lasting. For the Daytona Beach Thunder football club, play must go on -- and that's what head coach Leon Bright and his staff have been facing since Feb. 26.
"When you bury one of your friends, it becomesvery difficult for everyone,"said Bright following the first game back in the World Indoor Football League. "It's tough to get back the passion." Bright was referring to the loss of Javan Camon, who, on that fateful Monday lost his life playing the game he loved.
The former University of South Florida defensive back is not ony missed for his abilities, but he was an outstanding individual off the field as well.
"I missed him tonight on that field," said his friend Kwasie Kwaku after the Thunder's 57-31 loss Sunday.
"I also miss him as a person," reflected Kwaku, who could not find the words after the game.
Everyone from the players to coaches to the front office -- and the league's three other teams -- have pulled together to honor the young man. It's the Thunder that has done the most soul searching and most of all, come together as a 'family' to meet this tragedy.
"The players are resolved and determined," said team CEO Zack McDonald while watching the game Sunday. "The team definately has been edgy since we've had nearly three weeks since that game. We've all come together, including his (Javan's) family, and we realize over all that this family is much closer now."
McDonald explained that Javan's family is totally behind the team. "It's unbeileivable the outpouring we've had from everyone. But now we'll get back into the game. We've got some player additions that will help."
Falling behind in the game 35-17 as the third quarter was about to end didn't dampened the spirits of the Daytona Beach team. They hung together, fought bravely and came to within 11 points with 3:14 left in the contest.
"I feel we are more together,"said linebacker Levar Simms. "Yes, the long layoff hurt, but the coaches have given it their all to get us back. I'm still hurting from it, but I will give 110% even if it is not the same without Javan."
A special night of recognition is planned for the Ocean Center on March 31 and McDonald and Brad Humphrey, the Vice-President of operations, said the Camon family will be there.
"We want that night to be very special for our organization and the City of Daytona Beach," Humphrey said. " These players are not quitting either. We had 10 guys show up when we got back to practicing who wanted to play for us."
"I just think we were a little timid tonight," Bright said. "We need to understand no one is going to give us the game."
But the game had been secondary to this group of men. Collectively, they all say they will be back to form. And their thoughts of Javan will remain.
"We're still a team and stronger than ever," added Humphrey.
The venerable John Hahn has over 20 years experience on both sides of arena and indoor football.
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