Four and a half hours after starting my knee surgery Doctor Oberlander was finally stitching the wound on my right knee and whispering to my trainer Bruce Morgan that playing again was the least of my concerns…..and quite possibly not an option. What did I do that day that made the past eighteen months the most rewarding of my eight years playing professionally?
I simple decided the game would not be taken away from me over two ligaments and a tendon.
The gym became my playing field, the treadmill my starting position, and the weights my 8oth minute sprint to catch Landon Donovan down the side line. The next three and a half months I learned so much about my competitive side that I knew great things were still coming my way.
The move to Houston seemed like a small bump in the road after overcoming the injury.
The heat, while debilitating didnt affect me as much as it should have. And the residual pain in my knee wasn’t a distraction like I had anticipated but what was true was that the results were exactly what I had determined in May of 05 when I started my re-hab!
The most single season starts of my career, the most goals I have scored in one season, the most minutes I have ever played in one season, another MLS Cup held high above my head, and the single greatest feeling I’ve ever felt in soccer……I was finally proud of myself.
I have already begun to train again in preparation for the Champions Cup matches in February. I enjoyed my rest but once again and look forward to going to the gym to push the limits of the human body. I am not able to do it simply because I want to. I am able to do it because something inside of me is not ready to let go of the game. Passion defines my sport. My colleagues and I exemplify the fine line between obsession and desire. Welcome to my world, my blog, and my problems.
Craig Waibel- Words From The Peaceful Warrior
December 14, 2006 4 Comments
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I’m so glad you were able to recover, Craig. We couldn’t have done it without you. And a heck of a season you did have. 5 goals! That’s impressive. There are “star” strickers on other teams that wish they had that many. You played great all season. You are a machine for already heading back to the gym for the CCC. But, hey, who can argue with results? I hope you take it easy and are ready for the Cup. Ya’ll can take Costa Rica easily, then the real challenge starts: Pachuca. That will be the real test, but I think you have a chance at beating them. They will have injuries and be tired, while you guys will be rested. Enjoy your holidays and can’t wait to hear from you again. Counting down the days till the CCC…:D
Cheers.
Absolutely spectacular season!! Congratulation again on winning the Cup and good luck in the CCC. Just know that we’ll be cheering for all of you back here in Houston. Who knows, there’s talk that a few of us might make a trip down to Costa Rica too.
Having had ACL reconsruction nine years ago myself, I can understand a bit of what it takes to get back to just walking normally. Nevermind getting back into professional form. Your hard work and dedication certainly paid off and I’m sure was an inspiration for the rest of the team.
In the North End of the Rob we can only try and match the passion with which you play the game. Just know we will always be cheering for you and the Dynamo no matter what. Take care and good luck.
Nice post, I look forward to reading more from you.
Congrats to you and your mates in the Dynamo. I believe that you proved to Houston and all that challenged you on the field Just what you are made of. What a great season you had and very entertaining futbol for us. I for one am excited to have you here and it’s heart warming to hear your story of how you fought your way back.
Congrats to you and your wife for the great season you both had. Look forward to more!! And just let Landycakes try and stop you.