ASHLAND — There were plenty of smiles to go around during the postgame press conference after Ashland University’s season-opening 31-14 win over nationally-ranked Notre Dame last week.
But the widest grins were reserved for when the conversation inevitably turned to Austin Brenner’s return. Considering all he has overcome in the past 11 months, it’s hard not to be a Brenner fan.
It was less than a year ago that Brenner suffered a gruesome injury in a loss to Ohio Dominican. Both the bones of his lower right leg were fractured and pierced the skin.
“This guy could have thrown the towel in at any time and most young men would have, but that’s not what he’s made of,” AU coach Lee Owens said. “I think back to the ODU game and seeing him that night at the hospital and thinking, ‘There’s no way in the world he’ll ever play again.’ ”
Brenner admitted there was a great deal of uncertainty after the injury. His faith carried him through the darkest of times.
“I think it was a week after surgery. I wrote down that the only way I would be able to play mentally is if God gives me a peace that is from Him. That is exactly what He did. Going out on the field, I didn’t really have any fear,” Brenner said.
“There’s definitely a lot of uncertainty, the first couple of weeks, the first month, the first four months, when I’m wondering will I be healthy enough to make it back in time?”
Brenner’s stat line in last week’s win was pedestrian — he completed 14 of 26 passes for 128 yards with one interception and ran for 21 yards on seven carries — but his presence in the huddle and on the sideline provided an emotional lift to his teammates.
“It’s great to have him back. I told him I love him and he’s a warrior,” said tailback Gei’vonni Washington, who rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. “He could have called it quits at any time he wanted, but he fought back and he came back to lead this team. He did a great job.”
The lift Brenner’s return provided extended beyond the offense. The defense took a cue from AU’s emotional leader.
“You can’t even put that into words (what it meant) to see him out there. To know what he’s been through, what he’s been about his whole career and his whole life,” said linebacker Michael Ayers, who made 12 tackles and forced a fumble. “It’s more motivation for everybody and he rallies everybody so well. Having him out there is indescribable.”
Brenner absorbed a couple of big blows early against Notre Dame. Owens and the rest of the coaching staff held its collective breath, but Brenner popped up each time and trotted back to the huddle.
“That’s football. You expect to get hit,” Brenner said. “ Getting hit and getting back up, it’s a great thing.”
One hit in particular had the AU sideline in a frenzy. Brenner was struck near the home sideline as he was headed out of bounds.
“You saw our team come to his defense. We love this guy. We’ll go to war for him,” Owens said. “He got over to me and said, ‘I’m fine coach.’ ”
The Eagles return to action Saturday at Findlay. The Oilers were the preseason favorite to win the Great Midwest Athletic Conference title, but fell to ODU in last week’s opener.
With Brenner leading the charge, Owens and the Eagles like their chances.
“There’s just no quit in this guy,” Owens said. “What a great lesson he is for all of us.”