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Posted by Bill Sorrell - Mon, Apr 19, 2010 - [ Football ]
Fletcher Surrounded by his Teammates
Fletcher Surrounded by his Teammates
By Bill Sorrell
    While Lambuth's Defense defeated the Offense 78-67 on Saturday in the annual spring game at L.L. Fonville Field, there was another significant number--20.
Fletcher Cleaves, who was injured in a motor vehicle accident last September in Jackson, was presented his jersey during halftime.
    The team gathered around him and his former roommate Dayne Mullins, who was with Cleaves when the two went down an embankment on North Highland Avenue that left Cleaves paralyzed, said a prayer.
    Mullins, a Lambuth wide receiver, and Cleaves have relied on their faith in God as they recovered. Cleaves is back home in Cordova after undergoing rehabilitation at the Shepherd Clinic in Atlanta.
    "I'm doing real well. I'm a lot stronger since the accident," he said.
    Mullins had several surgeries because of an injured arm in the accident.
    Cleaves is working on strength and basic skills such as dressing. He said his muscles were not strong enough at this point to move his legs. He does feel muscle contractions.
     His goal is to regain life as  before the accident.
    "To an 18-year old college student, the sky is the limit. You want to get back to being you," he siad.
    He has kept the faith. "You do ask, 'Why me?' When you have the Lord Jesus Christ in your life, you are going to be OK. Anything is possible with Christ."
    He and Mullins, who talk to each other three times a week, read scripture together during 2009 summer workouts.
    Cleaves plans to attend the University of Memphis. When he regains independance he wants to return to Lambuth.
    "I miss it tremendously," he said.
    Lambuth head football coach Ron Dickerson visited him in Atlanta and has spoken at various benefit banquets that help to defray medical costs.
    Cleaves is thankful for the support he has received from the Lambuth community.
    "Everybody knows if one thing happens to one of us, it happens to all of us. I want to thank Jackson for praying for me."
    Dickerson said that he "almost broke down" during Cleaves' halftime recognition.
    "He's tough. His family is tough. Dayne has pledged to himself to be an All-American- type player and have a great great career for himself and for Fletcher."