Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 4, 1993 TAG: 9306040048
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"He's going to have surgery, but the jury is still out on whether he'll miss the season," said Salem coach Willis White. "I tend to be more optimistic than doctors."
Parker suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing softball in a physical education class several weeks ago. Another member of the class dived into Parker's knee while they were pursuing a fly ball.
Salem trainer Chris Tucker described it as a "freak accident."
Parker, who was examined by University of Virginia team orthopedist Dr. Frank McCue, said he was told he might be able to return to action before the end of the fall.
Parker has run for more than 3,500 yards in two seasons. With Parker at running back, Salem has gone 25-2, losing in the Group AA championship game to Chancellor when he was a sophomore and in a semifinal at Richlands during his junior year.
Parker says he'll have surgery probably within the next 10 days, but that McCue has assured him it won't drastically affect his college prospects.
"He said a few schools might change their mind, but that I should still have a good choice," said Parker, who is a two-time All-Group AA and All-Timesland running back.
Parker says that four schools - Virginia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia - have the inside track for his services. He says Tennessee, once in that group, no longer is under consideration.
White was to meet with Parker's parents Thursday to discuss the surgery. He said if Parker does play this year, it will be at full strength or not at all.
"It's up to the individual [whether they come back] from this surgery," White said. "The quicker they start working [on rehabilitation], the quicker they come back."
Parker said doctors are waiting for the swelling in the knee to subside before attempting surgery. "Dr. McCue said if I work hard enough, I could be back by the middle of October," he said.
by CNB