Where there's a 'Will' there's a way
By: Tim Chambers
Tomahawk Sports Editor
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One JCHS standout athlete is hoping that old slogan where there is a will theres a way proves to be true over the next several months. Will Kerley has been a standout football player for the Longhorns since the seventh grade but all that is on hold for now.
Hes part of a sophomore class that could be one of Johnson Countys best ever. He and his teammates won back-to-back championships during their junior high days for head coach Matt Bray. But this year hes watching from the sidelines, thankful to be back in school.
Kerley was injured while lifting weights back last winter. He was saddled with a load of pain and had to be taught from home from March on. Its something that hes still trying to figure out but taking it all in stride. He knows there is a plan for his life.
Its been hard not being able to play, said Kerley. Im trying to accept it and move on. My music has helped me deal with it. Its given me a new outlook on life.
Kerley explained his injury as a fractured vertebra on two sides.
Its like bone grinding bone. Its pushing my disc into my spinal cord. A certain kind of hit could cause me to be paralyzed for life. That gets your attention when the doctor tells you that.
But Kerley doesnt sit at home sulking. Hes part of a band called the Country Crossroads. He, Kyman Matherly and Cameron Clawson formed the group. Andrew Matherly is there to help play and keep them in line.
I love playing the guitar and making music, said Kerley. Were playing quite a bit now so thats keeping me busy. Its hard not being able to play so this helps take my mind off of that. Im thankful for my friends who play music with me.
Kerley and Matherly began playing the guitar at a young age. It was a teacher who inspired them.
Kyman and I took a guitar class in the sixth grade under Mr. (Mike) Taylor, added Kerley. He showed us a couple of chords and we picked it up by ear from there. Cameron got in with us in the seventh grade and things just clicked. Weve all been playing ever since.
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