Donahue Reaction a Wide Spectrum

Today I read about the retirement of Terry Donahue. Your newspaper gave a detailed list of his accomplishments, which mean he has to be considered one of the top coaches in the country.

But let me offer one more reason. In 1982, UCLA played its first game at its new home field, the Rose Bowl. I was a defensive back for Long Beach State. In the third quarter, I tackled UCLA wide receiver JoJo Townsell for what turned out to be my last play in collegiate sports. I suffered a spinal cord injury and was diagnosed a quadriplegic.

During my seven-month stay in the hospital, many people stopped by once or twice to check on my progress. Coach Donahue visited every week with a different member of his coaching staff. He came because he cared about me and my family. His support was a major contributing factor to my recovery. Even in this setting, Coach Donahue was able to motivate and instill the will to win. To me, this speaks more about Terry Donahue as a football coach and as a human being than any record he has achieved.

TODD HART

Rancho Santa Margarita