Deafness no bar to sharp-eyed Stormer

[The Prototype]

Source: The Mercury (Tasmania)

Note: I thought this was a good story on a footballer who is deaf playing for Glenorchy this season

Deafness no bar to sharp-eyed Stormer
By: BRETT STUBBS

GLENORCHY Storm recruit Damien Harrison admits that if it weren't
for his peripheral vision and his own interpreter, SFL football would be a
lot tougher.
The 27-year-old bakery assistant has been deaf since birth. Although
he mainly communicates by sign language and written notes when he's at the
football club, it's a different matter at game time.
``When the umpire is really close I can hear the whistle because it
is so loud, but when he is far away I hear nothing,'' Harrison said through
a Tasmanian Deaf Society sign interpreter.
``I have got really good peripheral vision and I can read the play
and I am constantly tracking and seeing what is about me.
``Sometimes I get caught out but generally I try to keep my eyes
really sharp and be as observant as I possibly can.''
During the breaks, Glenorchy coach John Klug usually instructs
Harrison through Reg Watson.
Watson, Klug's uncle, learnt sign language after his daughter was
born deaf.
``I have tried to learn a few words but I am absolutely hopeless at
it,'' Klug said.
``Damien can lip read really well but it is hard because he can also
turn a blind eye if he doesn't want to listen.
``He yells really loud when he wants the ball. He reads the play
quicker than the average player, whether that is due to being deaf I don't
know.''
Harrison couldn't be happier at his new club, after playing for
Burnie and Wynyard in the NTFL.
``The players are really good and very encouraging,'' he said.
``John is a new coach and he is a good man. He motions to me where I
should go and what I should be doing but I know how to play the game.''
He has made a big impression, named best on ground on his debut
against Brighton in round five.

Also Read Other Stories From: www.southernfootball.com.au

[Donny]

Thanks, Dave. A good read and the best topic name we've had for a while.

[The Prototype]

NP Thought it would be a good thing for any deaf fans that want to be footballers. On a good note, Glenorchy beat Kingston 111-58 or close to that