MASON WATKINS IS ONE TOUGH KID

Nine year old Mason Watkins loves playing football for the South Park Falcons.  After a day of school at Olde Providence Elementary School, the fourth grader can’t wait to get home and prepare for practice.  Unfortunately this season has been full of potential roadblocks for the energetic son of Keith and Jenny Watkins.

After just a couple of practices this season, Mason began to complain about severe pain in his heels.  After a couple days of complaining and a visit to the doctor’s office, Mason was diagnosed with Sever’s Disease.

Sever’s disease occurs in children when the growing part of the heel is injured. This growing part is called the growth plate. The foot is one of the first body parts to grow to full size. This usually occurs in early puberty. During this time, bones often grow faster than muscles and tendons. As a result, muscles and tendons become tight. The heel area is less flexible. During weight-bearing activity, the tight heel tendons may put too much pressure at the back of the heel (where the Achilles tendon attaches). This can injure the heel. Soccer players and gymnasts often get Sever's disease, but children who do any running or jumping activity may be affected. Sever's disease rarely occurs in older teenagers because the back of the heel has finished growing by the age of 15. With proper treatment (anti-inflammatory medicine and rest), the pain will go away. Fortunately, no long-term problems have been linked with Sever's disease.

With Sever’s disease in the rear-view mirror, Mason has continued his football season.  Playing for his Father, Keith, Mason starts at Quarterback and Defensive End for the Falcons.  This is his third year playing football for his father and he really enjoys his time on the football field. Last season, Mason scored 13 touchdowns for the Falcons.

“I love to hit people on the football field!  Playing for my Dad can be a little challenging because he expects more from me. We get back home from practice sometimes and he will keep working with me to become a better football player. My Mom always kids us because we will draw plays at the breakfast table.”

Mason also experienced a scary moment in the second game of the season.  While running with the football, he lowered his shoulders and head before being tackled by an opposing player.  The impact temporarily knocked Mason out. 

“I think it scared my Mom more than it did me.  She has ordered me a new football helmet with more protection!”

Mason’s mother Jenny is very proud of her son and the effort he continues to give.

“Like any mom, I want to protect him and make sure he is still having fun.  He has faced some challenges this year, but he always gives his all until he has nothing left to give.”

As if he needed one more obstacle, Mason also has severe allergies and asthma.

Mason hopes the minor setbacks are all behind him now.  Away from the football field, Mason is an excellent student and recently was elected Historian for the Student Council at Olde Providence.

Despite all the setbacks, Mason is back on the field and playing tougher than ever.