Since sixth grade, senior Javante (Tay) Chacon has pursued his love for sports by playing football. Throughout his various teams, Chacon battled adversity on and off the field due to various injuries. His most recent injury however, took him out for longer than he originally expected. 

“[My injury happened] when we were practicing at [James Madison University] (JMU) in February when my teammate’s helmet hit my knee. Even though it was bad at the time, I played on it for the rest of the season,” Chacon said. 

Although he was able to battle through his injury for the remaining games during his football season and his outdoor track season, eventually Chacon seeked a diagnosis by his doctor. 

“I went to see a doctor after my track season ended. [That is when they] officially diagnosed me with a torn Meniscus,” Chacon said. 

Even though he was able to run on his injured knee for the months after his injury, his torn MCL had a significant effect on his track season. 

“[I think that] my injury reduced my speed [during the] track [season],” Chacon said. “I didn’t want to stop halfway through [my] season even though I was injured.”

Despite being injured, Chacon ran a successful track season and ended up competing in the VHSL Virginia State Track Meet in Norfolk, Virginia this past June. 

“My goal [for the team] is [currently] to get everyone on the track and field team to states in at least one event,” Chacon said. “States was pretty nerve racking but also a lot of fun and just to experience it was special. It’s a once in a lifetime thing and hopefully I get to compete again next year.”

After having surgery in July, Chacon has been spending his time in physical therapy to work towards getting back on the field for his senior season. 

“If I would have got treatment when it happened, [my knee] wouldn’t have a big tear as it does now,” Chacon said. “I just finished my first month of rehab a few days ago so I have two more months until I can play again in November.”

In addition to doing treatment with Sentara RMH, Chacon has been working daily with the Athletic Training team at Harrisonburg High School during football practice.

“I have been doing exercises and going to physical therapy twice a week. I do my exercises at home [and during] football practice. [The athletic trainers] have been helping me with my exercises and have been putting me on a bike in the training room,” Chacon said. 

While looking forward to getting back on the field soon, Chacon has set new goals for his final season as a Blue Streak after being named to various honors such as honorable mentions in the all-area team.

“This year was a fun experience, not just for me but as a team as a whole. The coaches really pushed us to get to that point of the season to be successful,” Chacon said. “One of my goals this season is just to do better than last season. [I want] to really push myself harder than ever.”