Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9410170012
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NARROWS LENGTH: Long
Each of these three Narrows High seniors has the added burden of being extremely smart.
"We're not treated like the class nerds," said Stafford, hesitant to discuss a sensitive issue faced by every brainy kid.
"I guess we aren't exactly outcasts," Ballard said.
Maybe its because Buckland can hoist 300 pounds while lying on his back.
Maybe it's because of the way Ballard clogs up the middle of a defensive line like a five-car pileup on the L.A. freeway.
Maybe it's because of the unreasoning fearlessness and ferocity with which Stafford conducts himself between the hours of 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. on autumnal Friday nights.
Maybe it's because all three look really good in the garish shades of green and gold that Narrows fancies for its football team.
These three are not the types who flaunt their gifts, but then again, having brains is a lot like having a substantial amount of money: You can't hide it.
Ballard dreams of one day going into some form of medicine - perhaps as a doctor or veterinarian, radiologist, or physical therapist.
Stafford is less certain of his future, but he can see himself as some sort of engineer. The University of Virginia or Virginia Tech would be a nice place to earn the first diploma, by his reckoning.
Buckland, too, likes the idea of an engineering degree from Virginia or Tech, but that's just a start for him. Then he wants to go to law school. Patent law ought to be a fruitful pursuit, in his view.
All three look to be dead-solid locks for a large four-year school of high repute. Only one development could interfere.
"If I can, I'd like to go to a small school somewhere and play football," Buckland said, echoing the thoughts of the other two.
This much a small college coach can be assured: These boys won't have any trouble learning the plays.
"You can tell why they do well academically," Narrows coach Don Lowe said. "They work extremely hard on the football field. They all three have an outstanding work ethic."
Ballard and Buckland are already outstanding football players; Stafford, who is less experienced than they, should be getting there this year. Ballard was an All Mountain Empire District pick as a noseguard last year and Buckland was selected as an offensive lineman.
Stafford used to fashion himself more of a basketball player, but he had this nasty little habit born of a built in you-aren't-pushing-me-around 'tude.
"He'd usually have more fouls than he'd have points," Lowe said.
To tell you the truth, it's a wonder these boys aren't always in a foul mood. Fatigue has a way of even bringing the angels down a notch or three.
The schedule for this trio is ruthless. Five days per week, they pack up in Narrows about 7:15 a.m. or so and bus or drive over the mountain to Dublin and Pulaski County High School where they attend Governor's School during the morning. Only the particularly gifted need apply.
Many wouldn't want to be there to begin with. Check out the stuff these guys study over there on the fast track and you'll see why.
Ballard takes applied calculus (six college credits), advanced placement biology (six credits), and a senior seminar in which students delve into such esoteric fields as fiber optics, chemistry, and microbiology.
Buckland strains his brain on college physics (eight credits), applied calculus, and a senior seminar.
Stafford is challenged with AP biology, engineering calculus, and computer science.
It isn't all glamor curriculum for them, either. Before lunch (typically, they have about 20 minutes for that) they travel back over the mountain to take the government and English (plus an elective) required for graduation.
School ends. Football practice begins. Our guys are no longer singled out at that point.
"Coach Lowe treats everybody the same,'' Stafford said.
We may presume that what Stafford means is that in the tradition of football coaches everywhere, all players are treated like recalcitrant cur dogs.
Football ends about 6:30 p.m. or so.
"If we're lucky," Buckland said.
On home to supper followed by up to two hours or more of study. Ballard studies until midnight or later; the other two pack it in by 11. Ballard makes up for lost sleep on the bus. Stafford studies less at night, but goes to work on the books coming and going over the mountain.
"It's very stressful," Ballard said. "Time management is the key."
"Especially if you intend to have any kind of social life," Buckland said.
All three of these guys have come a long way as individuals and football players.
Stafford fell way behind in football when he took a couple of years off to work on his hoops.
"I went to the football games and I missed it," he said.
Stafford battled mononucleosis last winter, shedding weight (and strength) like a snake its skin.
"You looked bad for a while there," Buckland said to him.
Since then, Ballard has gained 20 pounds.
As for Buckland, grace was not a strong point for him at an early age.
"He was the most uncoordinated kid on the face of the earth," said Narrows assistant coach Dave Mabry, who taught him physical education in elementary school.
Added Buckland: "I'd trip over the lines on the basketball floor."
Oh well, we are all blessed in some areas and not so much in others.
"They weren't born with a lot of athletic ability," said Mabry, who had all three in elementary PE. "What they've got is the result of hard work."
by CNB