Huntley Project Football Player Koni Dole with prosthetic leg – Courtesy photo by Bea Wilson
If you are looking for inspirational stories, look no further than Huntley Project’s own example, Koni Dole. Koni’s inspirational story and recovery initiated in the last Football game for Huntley Project last year in October 2012 which has many locals and many others referring his story of strength, motivation and desire. Less than a year after breaking his leg and having it amputated, Project’s Dole returned to the football field after many months of hard work, practice and diligence.
During his recovery, Koni has received a lot of community support from coaches, teachers, church members and community citizens who with local fundraisers and benefits have encouraged him through his ordeal. His leg was amputated when an infection developed after surgery due to the broken leg he suffered in last years’ 2012 football season game. Since then, he went through a recovery process while learning how to use a prosthetic leg His local inspiration has achieved a national reach as many new organizations and individuals are learning of his experience and determination to return this season. Last week’s season opener for the Huntley Project Red Devils gave Koni the opportunity to return to the field where he scored 2 touchdowns where the High School team put a mark in the win bracket 45-0 for Huntley Project.
Koni Dole in first football game for Huntley Project High School Football Team – courtesy image by Bea Wilson
Tonight, Koni and the Red Devils football team will host Havre in this year’s Homecoming Football Game at 7pm at Huntley Project High School.
This is yet another reason to attend the football game says Guy Croy, Huntley Projects Head Football coach and Athletic Director.
The Huntley Project, known for its agricultural community spirit, is involved and follows it’s sports tradition and teams.
The following is a review of the recovery Koni Dole and those from Huntley Project have endured over the years from the High School Fire to returning to Football and sports.
In the final game of the 2012 season, Koni Dole suffered a gruesome leg injury that required multiple surgeries. Due to a serious infection, doctors and Koni were forced to amputate his right leg below the knee.
Dole went to rehab with his doctors a few times after getting out of the hospital but said that he felt they were “holding me back” and instead he undertook a more aggressive weight-training program with his coaches. In fact, the day after he got out of the hospital, he had the coach open up the weight room to do a little exercise and rehab himself
5 months after his amputation, he was part of the school track team and wresting team in order to work his leg and condition himself with his new prosthetic leg. At times, he says that he has had to push through the pain and at other times take a break to recover from the pain but he keeps pushing forward with his goals and benchmarks for himself. He says that the last 10 months were a slow start but he has accelerated his recovery and return in preparation to the football field last week. And he says it was worth it to him to make the return where his gruesome leg injury occurred on the football field.
In fact, Dole scored 2 touch downs in the season opener and one sack which boosted his confidence. This week, Team Huntley Project will host Havre Mustangs who were in the State Championship football game so it will be an uphill battle for the Red Devils. As it will be Homecoming, it will be a good game though.
With his story, determination and inspiration, Dole reported that he was offered a walk on scholarship to play for his dream college team, the Montana State Bobcats after he graduates from Huntley Project. Whether he takes that offer or not, only time will tell what his calling in life is to be.
Huntley Project football player Koni Dole and prosthetic leg
Koni sure defines the school motto, which is to dream, believe and to achieve.
