Mack-The Comeback

by Abigale Richards

After tearing his first ACL in the eighth grade, Mack Shevitz struggled with getting his endurance and speed back to normal after his recovery from surgery which started in February of 2022. Six months after physical therapy, Mack was cleared to play his sophomore season on the Varsity football team. As Mack’s junior season started (2023) with a scrimmage against the Ellwood City Wolverines, he started off strong playing offensive and defensive tackle. As Mack ran in to tackle the Ellwood quarterback, he stepped too far and collapsed inward. Friday, August 25th, the date of Laurel’s first football game, Shevitz decided he was strong enough to play in the game against New Brighton. Mack describes his motivation as, “…everyone doubted my comeback to play without the ACL and even though I’m playing I’m still being doubted and that’s what motivates me to keep pushing forward.” Showcased as an athletic and academic student, Shevitz was asked what his advice for underclass athletes was. He responded with: “…never let people bring you down. You can do anything you put your mind to, and when you’re given obstacles and adversity you must always move forward. you can’t get down on yourself because you cannot change the things that happen to you because you can overcome them.”