It gives me hope for the world." The other kids are special, too. He says they need him, but you know what? A 10-story building hitting the ground. A very small percentage. His torso pushes against his belt. "I wish more people were like that. He tells the story of his father putting him on the stairs when he was 9 years old, demanding that he climb to the top. Initially, Josie struggled. In an earlier sworn deposition as part of a lawsuit filed by former Valdosta High football coach Alan Rodemaker, Nelson accused Propst of wanting $2,500 per month to pay for rent and other . How safe is your neighborhood? Sobrato is located across the street from his parents' home in Morgan Hill. On Rob's first day of kindergarten, they watched nervously behind a glass window as other 4- and 5-year-olds approached their son eager to learn about something most of them couldn't comprehend. Initially, Josie struggled. "It didn't take long for me to figure out that alcohol is not the answer.". Bob hears the sound from a few feet away. ( Google map, other maps) Mt. Fore was named to the Hudl Top 100 in 2017, and the Top 5 Best High School Football Coaches to follow on Twitter by MaxPreps in 2016. Full-time coaches may work more than 40 hours a week for several months during the sports season. In most cases of tetra-amelia, death occurs before birth. This time it's flawless. Some might suggest he should be home, resting. They are teachers who coach on the side. He has spent his life fighting statistics, proving doctors and doubters wrong. Chicago, IL. The search for Aaron Rodgers, IT'S THE BIGGEST weekend of the year in Gilroy, California, with more than 100,000 people visiting for the annual garlic festival. Prepped for head coach Victor Winters at Gadsden County High School in Havana, Flarated a three-star prospecta first-team all-state and a first-team All-Big Bend selection for the Jaguars after grading out over 90 percentinvited to participate in the NUC All-American Game in 2022had interest from several programs, including Florida Atlantic, Maryland, South Florida, Wake Forest . "In a text message." Going to the bathroom. I make mistakes. An assistant coach holds a whiteboard a few inches in front of Mendez. Mendez gives me directions. And he calls the exact same play he did on the previous down, flipping it to the other side of the field: Rex nine left, 180 smash. Andre Jackson gets instructions from Mendez during the team's first game of the season. "Where you going, man?". Embrace it. What if I drop him? And he knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. (2007-10), and Wake Forest Demon Decons (2010-14); currently an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies. Mark Fisher 3D Design Teacher. On convenience alone, it would have been the perfect place for him to coach forever. The day-to-day blanks are easy for him to fill in. 'Who says I can't?' When coaches ask you to go on an official visit, paid for by the school's program, they're using their budget to show off their school and create an impressive experience for you as a recruit. "Put me on your shoulder," he says. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. Mendez acknowledges that his presence has had a positive impact on people. He says if he had arms and legs he has no idea how his life would be different. "We live and die with each other," he says. As he was not able to play football, Mendez taught himself the game by playing Madden football video games. Now the entire Prospect program circles around Mendez at midfield. Can you lift me out of my chair?". To feel comfortable. His team is a mix of freshmen and sophomores, some with a bit of experience, most with little to none. Cable obliged. Email Melissa Feucht. Work Environment Part-time work is common for coaches and scouts. Mendez rolls over to his dejected quarterback. When we pull into the driveway, McAvoy comes out and carries Mendez into the house. Wilky DenaudDefensive Line - High School: Four-star prospect along the defensive line who as a senior helped the John Carroll Rams and Coach Mickey Groody to a His jaw dropped. He insists he's fine, and we order beers. But other than the tetra-amelia disorder, his son Rob was born a healthy baby boy. "In life, I feel like I'm always being helped," he says. His team is a mix of freshmen and sophomores, some with a bit of experience, most with little to none. They chose to stay with him. Because he weighs 50 pounds, alcohol affects him faster than people who weigh much more. I can adjust to anything that's thrown my way. Tournament Game 2022 Illinois High School Football Playoff Brackets: IHSA Class 7A Reavis 13 Prospect 62 Final Box Score Tournament Bracket Oct 29, 2022 @ 2:03am Eric Frantz Friday, Oct 28, 2022 I don't want to be put on a pedestal. It just makes me mad.". He couldn't get enough. "I can guarantee you there is someone with no arms and legs living in the mountains somewhere with a whole different story who isn't as active as we are. This is one of the worst falls. I love the feeling when I lift kids up. That's how I feel in my chair," he says. He's meeting me at the bar. Practice starts in a few days. I think back to something his pediatric physical therapist told me. We end up talking for nearly three hours. Mendez shakes his head. It seems like no big deal. He can barely open his mouth. It isn't about what the players did right or wrong or what they need to clean up before the next game. It's society that imposes that grief. This is one of the worst falls. For now, I start with a topic far simpler: football. "The Sobrato loss still bothers me," he says in February. He is mobile thanks to the chair he controls with his head and neck. I agree it's a small percentage. "Thank you," he says to me after his first sip. I unbuckle the belt around his waist and weave it through the slits torn on the sides of his shirt. Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. He draws and writes with his mouth. 2 QB and overall prospect by ESPN and is . The more successful Mendez is at proving he's just like everyone else, the more people put him on that pedestal, peg him as an inspiration and treat him, well, different from everyone else. Mendez looks up as the quarterback's pass sails overhead. Mendez doesn't buy it. We are all special. It just makes me mad." And now for Odell Beckham Jr's next act "It brings out the best in people. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. Not having arms or legs has stopped Mendez from being able to play sports or do certain jobs he has always been interested in, like being an electrician, but he always fought to find ways to be happy. It's only junior varsity. He hates talking about any of this. But Mendez won't give up that easily. The 14-year-old wraps his arms tightly around Mendez's back. Follow him! The biography of Nick Vujicic, a 36-year-old motivational speaker from Australia who also has tetra-amelia, says there are just seven known people living in the world today with the syndrome. He has heard it from their parents and teachers. Pratima Sherpa's Dream I hope that 'who says I can't?' Alvernaz hired Mendez to be on his staff, but then followed Mendez to Prospect to be his number two. One player quit because of Mendez. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. It took him more than a half hour - sometimes two steps up, one step down -- but he did it. IN HIS 30 years, Mendez can't recall a single dream in which he has had arms or legs. "I'm so proud of you. The next day he spends almost entirely in bed, unable to open his eyes. It seems like no big deal. Rob leans forward in his chair to reach his cell phone. Unlike fighting or fantasy games where he constantly had to engage, football gave him breaks. Three blocks in, a blue pickup driving in the other direction recognizes the wheelchair. You MUST have the correct code in order to receive tickets. Mendez looks up as the quarterback's pass sails overhead. How does he sleep? Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Is that you?" 1 poison. And because of Rob's lack of limbs, his father says he retains 30 percent more heat than someone who has arms and legs. He says thank you. THE DAY AFTER teaching his quarterback the 37 stretch, Mendez sits under the lights at the Prospect 50-yard line, exhausted. How does he eat? 2021 IHSA Football Playoffs. It's an accomplishment to the public because I have no arms and legs, but the reality is I'm not accomplished. Brushing teeth. You guys fought your butts off. The next generation of basketball legends will rock uniforms by New York City-based streetwear designer Eric Emanuel. "It was just it was horrible," Bob says. "You know how it is." I think back to something his pediatric physical therapist told me. A handful of schools reach out about head-coaching jobs, but he says he's almost certain he will return to Prospect to lead its JV squad again next season. It's the second day of the team's sleep-at-school preseason camp, and the coach is trying to install one of his favorite plays: the 37 stretch. It actually came well before Mendez started coaching football. "There you go!" The time away from football has given Mendez a chance to reflect on his first season as a head coach. It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. He learned how to draw and write using his mouth. Rob would set his chin on the ledge of the next step and use that to lift his entire body. "Rob? Nobody but yourself can hold yourself back. When the players met their new coach, the whispers began. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. That's what I've realized over the years.". You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. With the pen, Mendez draws the X's and O's of what the play is supposed to look like and why. Mendez hopes to someday have the opportunity to coach varsity. "But I don't think about this the same way everybody else does. "Yes!" 2. I know what you're saying. I've always wanted to be a head coach.". If all goes well, a receiver should be open about 15 yards downfield right in front of the Prospect sideline. Prospect Men's Cross Country and Track and Field @PHSKnightsXCTF Feb 12 Varsity winners from last night Tuchner - 8.33 55mHH Balenda, Sahakian, Holtmeier and Walsh - 1:36.42 4x200 Raitano - 54.69 400m Garland 4:37.85 1600m Diversey, Tuchner, Guagliardo, Balenda 3:47.19 4x400 Guagliardo 5'8" HJ Holtmeier 20'11 LJ, 42'3" TJ Kamp 50'8" SP Preston Gannaway for ESPN To feel comfortable. "He told me that I couldn't go out there and dance with a girl. A few minutes later, he asks if I can follow him home. Rob has fractured cheek and orbital bones and has the effects of a concussion. ", He acknowledges that the attention is often uncomfortable. Prospect High School ( PHS) is a public high school in Saratoga, California, United States. Prospect stifled Evanston on two late fourth quarter drives, and senior Gavin Flanagan booted the game-winning field goal as Prospect survived with a 17-14 Homecoming win to improve to 3-0 on. Rashada, a California high school star, returned home to the San Francisco suburb of Pittsburg instead of enrolling. 2. Keep your heads up. Eventually you will come across your passion and for me it was football and working with people. "It is a quick turnaround that's for sure, "said Prospect coach Dan DeBoeuf, whose team was able to get a full practice completed Monday afternoon. After a few minutes of conversation, he seemed like any other football coach having a beer on a Friday night. I love it. One of the bartenders reminds him he's not supposed to have more than two drinks. But after losing the season opener to Santa Clara, his Panthers won seven games in a row. It's an image his brain can't compute. Some newborns survive only a few hours or days. "I know that's there," he says. James Hamann Assistant Coach: Paul Hennig Mascot(s): Knight School Administration Superintendent: Dr. David Schuler . After 12 years of working, Prospect High School gave him that chance. When he's away from home, he's careful about what he eats and drinks, often keeping it to no more than an iced coffee. His greatest fear was failure. IT'S THE BIGGEST weekend of the year in Gilroy, California, with more than 100,000 people visiting for the annual garlic festival. ", RELATED: Football coach born without arms or legs to receive Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at 2019 ESPYS, "'Who says I can't?' The school they will face, Ann Sobrato, fired Mendez as an assistant three years earlier. When his friends went out for football his freshman year of high school, Rob became the team manager. ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals all rank the 5-10, 170-pound receiver as a four-star prospect but his high school coach, former UK defensive back Maurice "Moe" Douglass, is not sure that does him justice. And how does he deal with such a challenging life? Combing hair. ", Mendez leans forward in his chair. Unlike fighting or fantasy games where he constantly had to engage, football gave him breaks. "I got it. Eating breakfast. "Complaining is my No. In his chair, he is constantly shifting, twisting and adjusting his posture. But those who stayed learned about their new coach. Mendez picks a spot at the bar next to two women. What the hell does that even mean? Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. I couldn't tell you what it felt like to catch a ball in the flat, but I knew what it was and why it worked.". I agree it's a small percentage. I was a little nervous about it," Cable says. "I'm pretty good at dealing with pain, and I didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for myself," he says. And because of Rob's lack of limbs, his father says he retains 30 percent more heat than someone who has arms and legs. 50/50 raffle will be available as well as over 20 beers on tap . by Elk Grove. Mendez picks a spot at the bar next to two women. Preston Gannaway for ESPN WITH LESS THAN two minutes remaining in the game, Prospect trails 3-0 facing a fourth-and-14 just inside Sobrato territory. As much as he doesn't want this syndrome to define him, at the same time there's a part of him that loves the fact that it sort of does. ESPN senior writer Wayne Drehs contributed to the documentary as a writer and reporter. The junior quarterback was 24-for-42 . Mt. His comes with a straw. The pain of the loss hurt, but it did not stop his fire. Email Mark Fisher. IT WASN'T UNTIL an ultrasound in the eighth month of her pregnancy that Rob's mother, Josie, found out her son was not growing limbs. You're different. "They gave me the feeling of being the helper. the driver asks. In high school, his friends organized a 32-team Madden tournament. After a few minutes of conversation, Cable believed he had his man. How does he go to the bathroom? And few at Prospect High School, some 40 miles up the road in Saratoga, can remember the last time its JV won much of anything. "You have to believe," he says. It confirmed how much he despises losing. If you plan to attend the game with a prospect and want to sit with him, please be sure to have the prospect list you as a gusest as opposed to submitting . But most importantly, it's given him an understanding of his journey in this world, a path untethered to anything anyone on the outside might say, think or believe. "Like a pancake hitting the ground. That night he can't sleep. And that's special because sometimes in this world, on a day-to-day basis, I wish I could do more. I turned around, took two to three steps and then I heard it." The coach nods and says "thank you." The 14-year-old wraps his arms tightly around Mendez's back. Earlier in the day, Mendez flew home from Las Vegas, a 48-hour escape before the insanity of the season begins. Now comes the opportunity to prove the school made a mistake. College Football Prospect ID events are the first premier event following the 2022 high school and college football seasons. "Let's go!" This is the opportunity he has waited 12 years for, the one he long felt he deserved but worried would never come. . "That's what I'm talking about!" "You have to believe," he says. He rolls in wearing a plain white T-shirt and faded red San Francisco 49ers hat. Mendez was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare congenital disorder that prevents the formation of limbs during embryonic development. One way he was able to do this is through coaching football. Most days Mendez has chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. Eighteen players from each playoff class were named to the team. I don't focus on it." He immediately snaps. Lobue, Joseph ( Fr.) But Mendez won't give up that easily. But seven? He has heard it from their parents and teachers. "I use my neck like my arm," Mendez says. This also ensures that prospects will have time to interact with the coaches and learn from them in a small group and one-on-one setting. "I think it always will." "We live and die with each other," he says. They have to buy the fake. A few minutes later, he asks if I can follow him home. After a few minutes of conversation, Cable believed he had his man. There, he drives his chair into the living room, where his roommate and caretaker, Mike McAvoy, waits on the couch. In the months that follow, Mendez unplugs from football. You hear stories about people with cancer, fighting for their lives. Keep your heads up. Is that you?" "But even before he could talk, I said, 'Somewhere, somebody is going to open a door for this kid and he's going to shine. He can be stubborn. "Yes!" I'm proud of everyone. I just want to be Coach Rob. The school they will face, Ann Sobrato, fired Mendez as an assistant three years earlier. Good s--- you've done with those kids. When the final buzzer sounds, the players and coaches line up at the 50 to shake hands. A class of 2021 recruit, Buddin was considered a four-star prospect out of high school and a top 40 linebacker in the country, according to 247 Sports. How does he coach football? Not until he nearly received a DUI driving Rob's handicapped accessible van did he realize the path he was on. And comfortable does not win," Georgia football coach Kirby Smart on trying to win a third straight national championship. "We live and die." "He may not look like a coach, but he definitely acts like one," one of his players said. He's had people who hear his story and then approach him in tears. It doesnt lead to a good place. The battery on Mendez's wheelchair is dead, so two Panthers push him onto the field. It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. I am a team player and a hard Tired. He drew up game plans on Madden and took them to practice. By his senior year, he worked his way up to quarterbacks coach. Its classrooms are a melting pot. Tolliver, Malachi i, e Easter, Noah ( So.) He knows what he has given his team. This ensures that the coaches can spend quality time with all players attending and are not overwhelmed with large camp numbers. Once buckled, Mendez says he feels unstoppable. It gives me hope for the world. He asks his quarterback for a hug. Otherwise it won't work. It's all good." Martindale has been the Prospect boys' athletic director since 2005, and has been teaching at the school for 20 years. Scouts evaluate athletes as possible recruits. The throw is too long, and the ball harmlessly caroms out of bounds. To this point, Bowling Green has also extended Buddin an offer. Nor did he and Josie have any idea how to take care of this baby. The day is designed by college coaches in order to get the most out of everyone's time. I should have a wife by now. WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class [] WVSN instantly reached out to the 2025 class prospect to find out more about his talks with WVU offensive line coach Matt Moore and his current mindset about his future. On warmer days, he can get bed sores from sitting in the same position too long. Going to the bathroom. I love that. 2021: Missouri Football Coaches Association Class 5 first-team all-state selection at defensive end as a junior. "This was confirmation that you know what, I'm doing OK," he says. The time away from football has given Mendez a chance to reflect on his first season as a head coach. I haven't graduated college yet. He asks his quarterback for a hug. The two coaches connected. I assume Mendez will pilot his wheelchair on the sidewalk and I'll drive alongside for the five dimly lit blocks back to his house. "Special is bulls---. His greatest fear was failure. "Be bold and fail, be bold and fail, be bold and succeed. He's had people who hear his story and then approach him in tears. by Elk Grove. But it isn't that simple. Prospect's lone highlight came on defense when, just before halftime, the Panthers stonewalled Sobrato on four straight plays from the goal line to keep the game scoreless. I love you, man," Lopez says. The quarterback removes the cap from a blue dry erase pen and puts it in Mendez's mouth. Prospect's defense held off Maine South for the final 44 seconds to secure a 42-41 win. Despite the fast changeover, coaches and players are ready for a full 9-game season. Instead, Mendez repeats two words over and over and over: thank you. This also ensures that prospects will have time to interact with the coaches and learn from them in a small group and one-on-one setting. In a little more than 12 hours, Prospect will play for the league JV championship. As we head back to Gilroy, I ask Mendez if he's aware of the impact he has already had on Prospect players and coaches like assistant Todd Livingston. It's an image his brain can't compute. "I'm sorry," he says. But I don't know what else to say. And with that, in this world, I know I'm going to be all right.". How do you move a fully grown adult with no arms and legs? "I couldn't follow up with more of a class act," DeBoeuf said. Three other players start chitchatting between reps. Mendez loses it. I just want to prove them wrong. "I'm not going to lie. As a senior, had 74 catches for 1,229 yards and 18 touchdowns . The World Series is on television. Mendez makes a trip to a nearby shopping center for coffee. And there's the reality of what he feels, but rarely reveals. He talked about building a family. Mendez is hungry. 9 overall prospect in the country. "Great job, Coach. But after losing the season opener to Santa Clara, his Panthers won seven games in a row. They wanted Bob to see other babies born with disabilities. Most days Mendez has chronic neck, back and shoulder pain. "They don't have the grief of losing a limb because they never had it. I know I'm good for the kids. "It's only natural to never give up," Mendez said. High school coaches are notoriously hard to contact. He turns his face to the right, pulls his head back and prays. A very small percentage. He towed his friends around the neighborhood on their skateboards. H.S. he says. Any other details they should know (If you have previously attended the school's camp or met the coaches) Sample Introductory Email: To: Reed@email.edu, RecruitingCoordinator@email.edu, SecondAssistant@email.edu. Things like that happen all the time. He finished second. ROB MENDEZ IS not only the most unique high school football coach in America, he's one of the most unique humans in the world. Ditas Faraon Buhler Science Teacher. He can barely open his mouth. Now he has everyone asking, "who says I can't? Afterward, Bob says doctors and nurses would walk by and stare. Being personally invited for a visit indicates clear interest from a coach. Mendez learned to diagram plays by using a pen in his mouth. In less than a minute he introduces himself, then me and strikes up a conversation. Coach Reed, My name is Johnny Appleseed. With a dream of one day becoming a head football coach, Mendez worked for years as an assistant at various schools, until he was finally given the opportunity he'd been working for. Mendez orders a water. It feels as if everyone is staring. I might take two steps forward and then one step back. "You know how Ironman gets in his suit and he just starts flying everywhere? Push the limits. He demanded respect, eye contact and accountability. And buckling Rob into his chair. I know what you're saying. It's a move he makes countless times a day. This is the first opportunity for college coaches and high school football players to interact directly with each other on the football field. We're the ones who feel sorry for them and say, 'Oh you poor thing.' As the clock approaches 11 p.m., he looks at his empty glass and asks for another drink. It's now a full-on escort -- a motorized wheelchair flanked by two cars with their hazards flashing. Coach Mendez. His head drops. Last April, the varsity coach at Prospect was looking for someone to help change the culture of the Prospect program when he came across Mendez's rsum. It showed him how much energy he draws from the kids. I'm fighting to have something to drink. Holding court, triggering laughs and helping people realize for a few minutes that a man in a wheelchair without arms and legs is just like anyone else. I know I'm good for the kids. The more we talk that night the more one word keeps popping up: How. This is the first opportunity for college coaches and high school football players to interact directly with each other on the football field. Without his wheelchair working properly, he can't raise its height to sit next to me at the bar. His older sister, Jackie, pushed her brother to try new things and one day tucked a PlayStation controller under his chin. The positiveness of your mind can get you to do unbelievable things and feats and that's what he does.". "I guess you saw a little bit of the other side tonight. In his first full season as head coach, he led the Panthers to a playoff birth and a near-perfect season. I don't sign up for being inspirational Rob." "Said they wanted to move on without me," Mendez says. "Honestly, when I first hired him at Sobrato High School, I knew he was something special. He says he would consider prosthetics only if he ever became a father. "Those kids," he says, "gave me the feeling that I can do anything." "The Sobrato loss still bothers me," he says in February. There's the answer he feels as if he should deliver. The players jog back to their positions. He's meeting me at the bar. "Think about it. He turns his face to the right, pulls his head back and prays. When he's away from home, he's careful about what he eats and drinks, often keeping it to no more than an iced coffee. Prospect High School. Next year you'll be back in it, believe me. "No, no, no," he says. "As he approached, I didn't know how he could be a football coach. "He was still in diapers," Bob says. Georgia Tech Football allows high school football coaches to request two (2) complimentary tickets to attend regular season home football games. After his speech, Mendez asks for a ride home. It wasn't like there was a store to buy clothes or toys for children with no arms and legs. How does he sleep? Coach seats are in a different section that prospect seats. As they head inside, Mendez looks back at me over McAvoy's shoulder. He tells the story of his father putting him on the stairs when he was 9 years old, demanding that he climb to the top. Eating breakfast. So I follow him in the bike lane, hazards on. Preston Gannaway for ESPN. We'll get to that. The lift mechanism on his wheelchair broke on the trip. "Just focus -- you got this.". He doesn't eat right. It's society that imposes that grief. I suggest we move to a lower table and make things easier. I lean over, wrap my hands around him and lift him out of his chair. Bob rushes his son to the hospital. Mendez calls his last timeout. "When an able-body person says that they can't do something, his greatest message is, 'who says I can't?' Pub. He wanted to leave by 9 p.m., but one conversation led to another.
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