Houston Hodges - Senior Year Comeback
Meet Houston Hodges, a standout three-sport athlete at Green County High School in Greensburg, Kentucky. Balancing football, basketball, and baseball, Houston exemplifies dedication, athleticism, and versatility, both in his performance on the field and court, as well as through his recovery with Bluegrass Orthopaedics.
On September 6, 2024, Houston's world changed in an instant. As a senior quarterback, he was in the middle of a high school football game when he sustained a high right ankle sprain and serious syndesmotic fracture. The pain was excruciating, but the emotional toll was even harder to bear.
Football wasn't just a game to Houston—it was his passion and the sport he had dedicated so much of his high school career to. The injury not only ended his football season but felt like it was closing the door on his senior year of athletics with basketball season just around the corner.
Houston recalls feeling as if "My high school career had ended in a sport that I absolutely love."
Bluegrass Orthopaedics' - Cheslee Bloyd PA-C was at the game when Houston sustained his injury providing much-needed emotional support to Houston and his family. Houston was then taken to a local hospital for further treatment and imaging.
"After the game, the team/coaches and several members of the community were outside of the emergency room waiting to support him. He made a point to personally stay after discharge to thank as many people as possible and let them know he would be okay, despite being in pain. He is a very thoughtful and tough young man and is one of the leaders in this community despite his age." Cheslee shares.
Despite being out of town for a wedding, Dr. Owen McGongile scheduled a weekend consultation and made the time to call Houston and his family. His comforting words brought much-needed reassurance, and his dedication to Houston's recovery was evident from the start.
"He brought us comforting words during a tough time." Houston shared.
"Throughout the coming weeks Cheslee Bloyd PA-C, Owen McGongile MD, and BGO were so helpful in my recovery. Their service was superb in every aspect. " - Houston
After surgery, Houston spent 3.5 months in rehabilitation, consistently showing resilience and refusing to let the injury define his senior year. By this time, the basketball season had begun, and the Green County High School team was ranked among the top 10 in the state.
By December 27, 2024, Houston had made significant strides in his recovery, and Dr. McGongile gave him the exciting news that he was cleared to return to physical activities. Two days later, on December 29, 2024, Houston's basketball coach allowed him to step onto the court for the final six seconds of a game. While it wasn't about the score or the outcome, that moment was a significant milestone in his recovery. It was a joyous occasion, celebrating the fact that Houston was back doing what he loved.
A few days later, on January 8, 2025, after several practices, Houston was able to play a few minutes in a game and even scored his first basket of the season. It was a moment of pure triumph—returning to the basketball court with his teammates after such a challenging time.
Houston said, "It was a complete joy to be back on the basketball court with my teammates! I am so excited to be participating in activities again and I owe a huge thanks to Bluegrass Orthopaedics."
To learn more about sports medicine specialist Owen McGonigle, MD, click here.
