Phin Scott feared his Ozark career might be finished after he inadvertently provided a disastrous fireworks show this past Fourth of July.
While attending a church camp in Michigan, he suffered a broken collarbone.
“It was raining and a friend of mine convinced me to go outside and play in the rain,” Scott said. “There was a huge puddle, so I tried to do a backflip in it. But I landed right on my collarbone. I was in shock. You could definitely tell it was broken.
“I was nervous because I had to get surgery,” he added. “I thought I might be out for the season.”
Scott missed practically all pre-season practices, but was fortunate to receive clearance to play last week and was part of Ozark’s scoring parade in an 8-0 whipping of Willard on Tuesday.
Scott contributed a pair of goals, while Grant Ogle posted a hat trick, Alex Williams also scored twice and Caleb Lepant had the winners’ first goal.
Scott’s comeback has exceeded all expectations. In the six weeks following his surgery, the senior midfielder wasn’t able to take part in any physical activity.
“It was weird not being able to do anything for six weeks,” he said. “I’ve never not done anything (for a period of time) like that my whole life.”
Coach Zack Owens felt Scott’s conditioning, or lack thereof, would hold him back upon his return. But Owens is surprised to report Scott seemingly hasn’t missed a beat.
“100 percent I (was concerned) and for good reason,” Owens said. “We gave him limited minutes at Capital City because we didn't want to strain his body too much. Then, we went on a 3-mile run Monday and he was in the top five. That's the competitor he is. It shows you the character he has and the greatness he's striving to achieve. He's a huge asset for us, so we’re very happy to have him back.”
“I placed second,” Scott said of the 3-mile run. “I was pretty surprised. But our cross country kids who also play soccer weren't there, so I got lucky.”
Scott’s injury has made him appreciate playing his senior season more than he originally thought he would.
“After that happened, it made me realize I shouldn't take anything for granted,” he said.
Likewise, Scott’s teammates were glad to welcome him back.
“It was concerning to start the high school year without him,” Lepant said. “Luckily. he's come back and everything's good. He's right back into it."
