JOEY FONTANA: Try, try ... triathlon?

[PonyPride]

When then-freshman offensive lineman Joey Fontana lay flat on the field at Gerald J. Ford Stadium just days before the Mustangs left for Hawaii for the 2009 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, he had suffered a knee injury so severe that his football playing career was over before it ever really started. Told he likely wouldn't run or jump again - and might not even walk again - Fontana endured multiple surgeries on the knee and countless hours of rehab, all while being told what he probably would not be able to do. But Fontana refused to believe his skeptics, and will take part this weekend in his first triathlon. He visited with PonyFans.com to discuss the road back to being a competitive athlete, and what drove him as he worked his way back and trained for the event.

Try, try ... triathlon?

[PK]

That is damn near a miracle. The reason I don't call it a miracle is because he had to work his butt off to get where he is now (but I'm not saying he didn't have some divine help either). He is oh so right when he says "It’s not what you’re told you can do - it’s what you believe you can do."

Way to go Joey!

Oh yeah...thanks PP for the story.

[RyanSMU98]

Really sorry he never got a chance to play, but no question his story is an inspiration to anyone and we are blessed by his presence on the Hilltop. Kick some [deleted], Joey!

[No Quarter]

Remarkable. Go Joey!

[davidpaul123]

What a wonderful story. Best of luck Joey.

[PSCA]

I’ve gotten to know Joey and his folks over the years … what a great kid and a great story. Joey always has a smile and a spring in his step … and even now in his 20’s … he still has that little kid look in his eyes we as dads recognize as .. "If you turn your back on me, I could get into some mischief". Very inspirational, I would like to see this story in the paper … instead of cheating this and drug scandal that.

This is a miracle; Joey is very well liked by all … I think he rooms with GG.

[Treadway21]

Saw him after the game thurs and he introduced himself since we had SMU gear on. What a nice young man. Very positive given his injury situation. Good luck to him. He will succeed in life with that kind of attitude.

[Hilltopper]

I just realized how little I have accomplished in my life.

All jokes aside, Joey is an inspiration. The first time PP wrote about him, I was among those who wondered if he'd ever walk again. To do what he is going to do this weekend is absolutely unbelievable.

Every single PonyFan out there is pulling for you, Joey. Congratulations on all the work you have put in, and enjoy crossing that finish line this weekend.

[ponyscott]

What a great story and an inspiration! God speed Joey!

[DiamondM]

Congrats Joey.

I did my first tri in 2008. I've now done 10 -- including 2 Olympic distance (double a sprint). It's amazing what perspective will do, because now doing a Sprint relatively "easy," but I remember how much commitment and determination it takes to get started and train. Keep it up!

[PSCA]

Joey was up at 4:30am Sunday to make the drive over to Keller for the pre-event prep etc ... first event swim. Joey had family, friends and teamates there to chear him on. Joey completed the event, never had to stop/walk etc. and finished well.

Congrats Joey, you are an inspiration for all. PONY NATION is so very proud of you.

[Terry Webster]

Amazing. Way to go Joey!!

[mustang addict]

That's so cool. I love this guy and his family. They are at the games traveling from New Orleans and even go to away games all these years even though Joey had been told his injury would not allow him to be on the field playing. But believe me his presense is felt on the field by his teammates! This speaks volumes of the caliber of this family. We need more people and fans like the Fontana's.

[Dark Horse]

What a remarkable young man.
Good job, Joey!

[fontana3]

My family and I want to thank you all. This article and all of your kind thoughts and prays have ment so much to us. We will never forget your support.