Justin Perez and Toj Mora are having the kind of senior year most high school kids only dream about, playing football for the Texas School for the Deaf. Before their season started, coach Matt Thompson made a decision that would have caused a lot of consternation if this were Friday Night Lights: He took the quarterback job away from Perez and gave it to Mora. In retrospect, the move made perfect sense, taking advantage of Mora’s leadership skills while letting loose Perez’s speed. The Rangers (9-2) have been explosive on offense, averaging 47 points a game heading for the district playoffs Friday. Not meaning to brag, just telling it like it is, Thompson says, “Everyone around the nation knows about our football team.”
That’s no surprise when you meet Perez and Mora. Confident without being cocky, gutsy yet gracious, they represent the Platonic ideal of the high school athlete.
Except that they’re deaf.
Athletically, there’s little reason a deaf athlete can’t compete at the highest levels. South African swimmer Terence Parkin won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Curtis Pride has played baseball for no fewer than six major league teams.
It’s the early years that are the hardest. At that level, interpreters are prohibitively expensive. Parents and coaches do their best, but inevitably the young athlete, no matter how gifted, is relegated to a marginal role. He becomes a touching side story.
Mora: “Before I came here for my sophomore years [from Louisiana], I played sports, but I always did one specialty skill, like I was the pitcher. I didn’t feel like I was contributing as a team member.”
Perez: “Playing with hearing kids, there were always communication issues. I could play their game, but we didn’t have any of that razzing each other, so I didn’t play. When I got here, I was a little surprised I had this talent.”
If they weren’t deaf, would Mora and Perez be major college prospects? No. Neither has the size. But then, that’s not the point. The point is that, right now, where they are, playing for the Rangers, they’re everything high school athletes should be.
This article appears in November 16 • 2007.