Extra Effort: Two surgeries, hearing loss not stopping Eureka lineman Ryan Fuller

EUREKA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — He started on the offensive line as a freshman.

But the sports career of Eureka High School’s Ryan Fuller was derailed as a sophomore.

He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game of his sophomore year against Canton. Then the following summer, he suffered an elbow injury playing baseball that required surgery and sidelined him for his junior season of football.

“It was hard. It took a toll on me mentally,” Fuller said. “I got through it. My parents and teammates were there for me.”

Both injuries required about nine months of rehab. Fuller could have stood on the sidelines and did nothing.

He didn’t do that. Instead, he volunteered to coach the linemen on Eurekas’ freshmen team while rehabbing each injury.

“He’s somebody who finds good in some pain and heartache. And he found a way to give back and serve other people,” said Eureka head football coach Jason Bachman. “It makes me super proud.”

Fuller has returned to Eureka’s starting lineup this fall but now looks back on those experiences fondly.

“I still wanted to be part of the team. It was important to me,” Fuller said. “Helping the younger guys was great.”

Fuller has not just overcome injuries. He has bi-lateral hearing impairment, diagnosed when he was three.

He wears a hearing aid in school and around the house. He says he really has to pay attention in class to hear everything.

“I have to cue-in on important details,” Fuller said. “If I lolly-gag I won’t understand the lessons.”

He says football has taught him life lessons. Now Fuller is considering a career in coaching.

“I became smarter and it added depth to what I do (while coaching),” he said. “I have a greater appreciation for our coaches.”

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