Last year it was reported that there was an estimated 76 deaf and heard-of-hearing students who played NCAA sports and NAIA sports, according to the Deaf Digest Magazine, and of that 39 played in Division I. Sadly this doesn't account for the students who wished to remain nameless. However this figures have risen greatly since the 1973 Rehabilitation Act mandated interpreters for the deaf and hard-of-hearing students at universities and provided against discrimination based on disability.
Last year in Towson, MD, Ryan Bonheyo was quoted saying "This is the biggest challenge of my life. I know I can do it." Bonheyo is a freshman at Towson University, so what makes this be the biggest challenge of his life. Bonheyo, 6'5", 210 lbs, linebacker for the university was born deaf.
The defensive coordinator, Matt Hachmann, stated he could care less of Bonheyo is deaf, but the coach had to make accommodations for the player. There are little things they had to change like clapping instead of blowing a whistle when initiating drills, and some big changes like expanding an already extensive language of defensive hand signals. Bonheyo has a interpret, Brain Tingley, that helps him with the plays.
Bonheyo said "There's allot of pressure. I have a chip on my shoulder and work harder than anyone else."
It is sad to say by Towson was the only college that offered Bonheyo a scholarship to play. Bonheyo had attended the Maryland School of Deaf and lead the school to four consecutive National Deaf Prep Championships. Coach Ambrose said that " A lot of college coaches weren't willing to take what they felt was a chance on him. A lot of coaches were just afraid." Afraid of what?
A lot of people within the deaf community has criticizes Bonheyo for not attending Gallaudet (both is parents are an alumni). Bonheyo said he never once considered that school, he felt that he was good enough to play division I football and that is why he chose Towson University, it is a division I school.
"He'll get no preferential treatment," Ambrose said. "You walk a fine line between accommodating him and treating him like a football player. Our opponents ain't cuttin' him any slack. And the world sure ain't cuttin' him any slack."
Bonheyo is able to communicate with the other players threw the use of his interpreter, by texting on his ipone, and old-fashioned hand written notes. He said that some of his teammates want to learn sign language so he is teaching them basic signs for now.
Bonheyo was asked if he felt him being a deaf player was an advantage or a disadvantage. "I don't think there are any disadvantages on the field for me. Actually there are some advantages. For example, I won't be fooled by a quarterback's false snap calls. Also, I won't be distracted by the noise around the field. Once the team and I learn how to communicate on the field, there wont be any disadvantages for me."
His coach, Ambrose, gave the best quote to the Press Box, Baltimore Sports Period.. He said "This kid is undaunted. He is not scared about anything and that is the kind of person that is successful."
Will Ryan Bonheyo make it the NFL? He is currently a sophomore at Towson University. so in two years we'll know.
Lucido, Krystina . "Quiet star?". 05/20/2010.
Klemko, Robert. "Deaf athletes hurdle barriers, achieve goals in college sports". 05/20/2010.
Last year in Towson, MD, Ryan Bonheyo was quoted saying "This is the biggest challenge of my life. I know I can do it." Bonheyo is a freshman at Towson University, so what makes this be the biggest challenge of his life. Bonheyo, 6'5", 210 lbs, linebacker for the university was born deaf.
The defensive coordinator, Matt Hachmann, stated he could care less of Bonheyo is deaf, but the coach had to make accommodations for the player. There are little things they had to change like clapping instead of blowing a whistle when initiating drills, and some big changes like expanding an already extensive language of defensive hand signals. Bonheyo has a interpret, Brain Tingley, that helps him with the plays.
Bonheyo said "There's allot of pressure. I have a chip on my shoulder and work harder than anyone else."
It is sad to say by Towson was the only college that offered Bonheyo a scholarship to play. Bonheyo had attended the Maryland School of Deaf and lead the school to four consecutive National Deaf Prep Championships. Coach Ambrose said that " A lot of college coaches weren't willing to take what they felt was a chance on him. A lot of coaches were just afraid." Afraid of what?
A lot of people within the deaf community has criticizes Bonheyo for not attending Gallaudet (both is parents are an alumni). Bonheyo said he never once considered that school, he felt that he was good enough to play division I football and that is why he chose Towson University, it is a division I school.
"He'll get no preferential treatment," Ambrose said. "You walk a fine line between accommodating him and treating him like a football player. Our opponents ain't cuttin' him any slack. And the world sure ain't cuttin' him any slack."
Bonheyo is able to communicate with the other players threw the use of his interpreter, by texting on his ipone, and old-fashioned hand written notes. He said that some of his teammates want to learn sign language so he is teaching them basic signs for now.
Bonheyo was asked if he felt him being a deaf player was an advantage or a disadvantage. "I don't think there are any disadvantages on the field for me. Actually there are some advantages. For example, I won't be fooled by a quarterback's false snap calls. Also, I won't be distracted by the noise around the field. Once the team and I learn how to communicate on the field, there wont be any disadvantages for me."
His coach, Ambrose, gave the best quote to the Press Box, Baltimore Sports Period.. He said "This kid is undaunted. He is not scared about anything and that is the kind of person that is successful."
Will Ryan Bonheyo make it the NFL? He is currently a sophomore at Towson University. so in two years we'll know.
Lucido, Krystina . "Quiet star?". 05/20/2010
Klemko, Robert. "Deaf athletes hurdle barriers, achieve goals in college sports". 05/20/2010
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