While some Minnesota track and field athletes grumbled their way through extended indoor workouts brought on by prolonged winter weather, Sawyer French mostly smiled while laboring to make the left side of his body functional again.
French, a junior at Maple Grove High School, suffered a significant stroke after an August cross-country race. Recovery included removing part of his skull to accommodate brain swelling and rehabilitating his stricken left side through physical and occupational therapy.
Nordic skiing was out. But French returned for track season.
The comeback, including nearly two months of hospitalization and inpatient rehabilitation, is almost complete. French, a middle-distance runner, hopes to compete in a race this spring, so long as his stamina rises and his times drop. Coaches worry a substandard time might trigger doubt or disappointment. Neither have slowed French yet. Family, friends and coaches see the same wisecracking teammate, competitive runner and strong student he was before the stroke.
Only now, nothing comes as easy. He's a lefty, so writing and typing takes more time. His brain wasn't damaged so his wit remains sharp. But words travel slower to his mouth. During workouts, he holds his left hand to his side to maintain control and build strength. After pushoffs, his left foot occasionally hits his right leg.
"Tough first injury, I guess," he joked.
French received a letter last week from an interested Division I school — a reminder of where he was headed and fuel to get back. Crimson track and field coach Casey Roberts saw French's commitment at captain's practice workouts in March.
"Sawyer was there, running around trying to get his cardio back up," Roberts said. "I was like, 'Guys, take a look at what you're seeing right now.' The motivation never died away.