Here's to a speedy recovery

I regret that I don't know Grant McVay as well as I'd like to.

The man, who came to Clay City 10 years ago to coach the high school boys' basketball coach, was involved in a serious accident Tuesday at Turkey Run Golf Course.

While cutting down trees on the course, one fell and struck him.

He was transported to the St. Clare Medical Center, Crawfordsville, before being transferred to Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.

According to his wife Donna, Grant suffered a facial fracture, a fracture to one of his legs, a spinal fracture and bleeding on the brain.

The bleeding on the brain subsided and Donna told The Brazil Times it was not known at the time if surgery would be required on his spine.

McVay had just guided the Eels to their first sectional title since 1976. He came to Clay City in 1999 and has compiled a 109-95 record while coaching the Eels.

I had the opportunity to cover McVay's entrance into the land of the Eels when he arrived.

It was his first head coaching position and he was eager to leave his mark.

He did.

I had the opportunity to go to Clay City earlier this year as the students and faculty, along with fans, were preparing for the regional.

The pep rally was really great. Students, faculty and fans alike were cheering like there was no tomorrow.

McVay's tenacity as a coach brought the school to that level.

Thinking back on it, there were moments I really didn't know what to expect.

When I first met McVay, I admit I was struck by how philosophical he was regarding basketball.

Most of the time, coaches tend to use "coach-speak," phrases and quotable words that are typical regarding athletics.

But with McVay, it always seemed different.

To put it blunt, from one game to the next, you really didn't know what you were going to get. One game, you might get "coach-speak," but the next, you may get a Phil Jackson-type interview. It was fun. it was interesting. It was enjoyable.

And that is what made it exciting.

I only had the chance to cover McVay and the Eels for a couple of years. After that, I saw the team play on occasion, but not as much as before.

It was a pleasure covering McVay and his teams.

Here's to hoping you have a speedy recovery Grant. Good luck and God speed.