CHARLEVOIX — The Charlevoix Rayders began their new basketball season at home on Tuesday.
The phrase ‘Rayder Strong’ has been the rallying cry of the Charlevoix community since the Rayders golf team was involved in a devastating crash last Spring, severely injuring many members of the team.
One of those members, Joe Gaffney, suffered a crushed pelvis, ruptured diaphragm, and collapsed lung in the incident. He required life-saving surgery that involved 76 screws and plates to put his pelvis back together.
Less than seven months after the crash, after a rigorous rehab process and tremendous work ethic, Gaffney was able to take the court for his senior season basketball opener.
Despite trailing 20-9 at halftime, the Rayders rallied to pick up a 50-45 win on the special night.
Aaron Gaffney, Joe’s father, spoke with 9&10 News prior to the game about how nice it was to see his son back playing the game he loves, saying:
“My wife and I are excited he’s playing. You know, we certainly at the time of the accident didn’t think he was going to play ever again. He worked hard, and if you talk to him, he will tell you that he doesn’t see what the big deal is because he really, truly doesn’t. He would have told you from the jump that this is what he expected of himself. He’s probably half of what he was athletically, but still really, really thankful that he’s able to get out there and play a little bit. So really, every chance we get to see him play is a blessing.”
9&10 News will have more on Gaffney’s recovery in the near future.