Warren DeLaSalle student overcomes the loss of legs to become a versatile, multi-sport athlete
Posted:
Updated:
By Ryan Ermanni, Fox 2 News -
(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Double amputee becomes star athlete
WARREN, Mich. (WJBK) -
Jesus Villa is an 18-year-old senior at Warren DeLasalle High School. At first glance he may look different to you. But don't tell him he's handicapped.
"People see me and say 'ah poor him he has no legs.' They feel bad for me, but I don't think so. I'm playing three sports, I'm loving life. I do whatever I can and what I want to do, so I have no complaints," Jesus said.
And this young man seems so determined to not play the card of 'I'm handicapped' and DeLaSalle Head Coach Dennis Parks said, "I don't think he knows he is.To be honest with you, you wouldn't know it. We kind of joke around that he's not. But he's just a kid."
He was born in the Dominican Republic without Tibias. At the age of two both his legs were amputated. Through the Healing of Children organization Jesus came her and lived with a host family. What was thought to be a temporary home turned into a permanent family.
"Ever since then I've lived with them, they treat me like one of their children. And I'm really fortunate for that," Jesus said. But he is more than a competitor and a player on this wrestling team. He's also a winner. He has won 17 of his 28 matches while wrestling this season.
Coach Dennis Parks said, "wherever we go he gets standing ovations when he wins. He gets a lot of pins so it gets a lot of excitement." And Jesus says it's an awesome feeling. "During your match, it's by yourself. But you still know your points go to the team and it's just a great feeling knowing the Ref, raising your hand and your teammates cheering you on. Friends and family in the stands encouraging you. I love every moment of it.
Wrestling is one of three sports in which Jesus excels. He also plays sled hockey and wheelchair basketball which he'll play next year at the University of Illinois.
"I've been playing wheelchair basketball for about 11 or 12 years now. And my goal is to be in the Paralympics someday, and hopefully win a gold medal," Jesus said.
If you want to learn anything at all from Jesus, he has one simple message that he follows. "You can do anything. Just try, work hard. If you want it and you work hard, you actually have the drive to succeed, it will come to you," he said.
And if you were wondering what Jesus' signature move was on the wrestling mat he demonstrated it on me saying, "It's called a far side cradle, but my dad likes to call it the death grip."
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:11 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:11:24 GMT
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
16-year-old Destiny Henderson, a student at Inkster High School, died Monday in a horrific traffic accident. Her car stopped at a light was hit from behind by a bus.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-20 00:54:31 GMT
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. The shooter, in a gold truck, is still on the loose.
Four people were shot and injured Sunday outside a house on Lakepoint in Detroit. We're told a group of 10 people were drinking and partying outside the house when a gold truck rolled down the street and started firing.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
(Credit: WJBK|myFOXDetroit.com) Double amputee becomes star athlete
