CHRIS BANJO: Playing with purpose

[PonyPride]

Many athletes are, by nature, creatures of habit. For many, their offseason routine includes intense conditioning work, as well as academic work. For SMU safety Chris Banjo, this summer also included learning to cope with the loss of his mother and deciding how to address a persistent injury that bothered him throughout the 2009 season.

Banjo visited with PonyFans.com to address his support system at home and on the Hilltop, as well as the options he considered for treatment on his injury, and what he expects from the SMU defense in 2010.

http://www.ponyfans.com/features/index.php?id=176

Enjoy!

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[Casey]

Without having met the guy, I always kind of got the sense that Banjo was a pretty impressive young man. This story confirms it. Here's wishing peace on Chris and his family, and good health.

[Pony Up]

Another terrific story.
Keep 'em coming.

[Alaric]

Thanks for another great story. Banjo sounds like a tough guy, that's gotta be a whip playing with an injury like that.

[PonyGirl]

What a beautiful story. 45 is way too young — my heart goes out to Chris and his family. I'm glad he has teammates like Ryan Smith looking out for him when he's away from his family.

[SMUFan]

Great story — a must-read for all PonyFans.

[mustang addict]

I had quickly met him after a couple games and one was Hawaii. Tonight I was able to talk to him for a while. He is a very good, mature young man with another gift of being a great football player and big brother to his family. It's so sad about his mom. I will pray and think positive thoughts for he and his family. He's SPECIAL-no wonder he was picked to wear Jerry Levias' jersey 2 years in a row and also named captain. And he is only a Junior. I'm a Chris Banjo fan!

[Silk]

A lot of us are — I know I am.