Warren DeLaSalle student overcomes the loss of legs to become a versatile, multi-sport athlete
Posted:
Updated:
By Ryan Ermanni, Fox 2 News -
(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Double amputee becomes star athlete
WARREN, Mich. (WJBK) -
Jesus Villa is an 18-year-old senior at Warren DeLasalle High School. At first glance he may look different to you. But don't tell him he's handicapped.
"People see me and say 'ah poor him he has no legs.' They feel bad for me, but I don't think so. I'm playing three sports, I'm loving life. I do whatever I can and what I want to do, so I have no complaints," Jesus said.
And this young man seems so determined to not play the card of 'I'm handicapped' and DeLaSalle Head Coach Dennis Parks said, "I don't think he knows he is.To be honest with you, you wouldn't know it. We kind of joke around that he's not. But he's just a kid."
He was born in the Dominican Republic without Tibias. At the age of two both his legs were amputated. Through the Healing of Children organization Jesus came her and lived with a host family. What was thought to be a temporary home turned into a permanent family.
"Ever since then I've lived with them, they treat me like one of their children. And I'm really fortunate for that," Jesus said. But he is more than a competitor and a player on this wrestling team. He's also a winner. He has won 17 of his 28 matches while wrestling this season.
Coach Dennis Parks said, "wherever we go he gets standing ovations when he wins. He gets a lot of pins so it gets a lot of excitement." And Jesus says it's an awesome feeling. "During your match, it's by yourself. But you still know your points go to the team and it's just a great feeling knowing the Ref, raising your hand and your teammates cheering you on. Friends and family in the stands encouraging you. I love every moment of it.
Wrestling is one of three sports in which Jesus excels. He also plays sled hockey and wheelchair basketball which he'll play next year at the University of Illinois.
"I've been playing wheelchair basketball for about 11 or 12 years now. And my goal is to be in the Paralympics someday, and hopefully win a gold medal," Jesus said.
If you want to learn anything at all from Jesus, he has one simple message that he follows. "You can do anything. Just try, work hard. If you want it and you work hard, you actually have the drive to succeed, it will come to you," he said.
And if you were wondering what Jesus' signature move was on the wrestling mat he demonstrated it on me saying, "It's called a far side cradle, but my dad likes to call it the death grip."
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:48 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:48:42 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:11 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:11:24 GMT
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:48 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:48:42 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:25 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:25:11 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:23:14 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:57 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Double amputee becomes star athlete
