It was 15 years ago today that the doctors didn’t know if Kent McDonald would live through the night much less play sports again. Well, if they could see him now.
McDonald, a 2008 Guthrie alum who helped the Jays football team to the 2007 state championship and the basketball team to the 2008 state title, concluded his four-year college career at Northwestern Oklahoma State University this past weekend.
McDonald, a two-time conference champion with two appearances in the playoffs, finished his Ranger career with 25 touchdowns to tie a NWOSU receiving record. McDonald shares the record with good friend Korey Williams, who finished his career last season in Alva.
McDonald, who was named to the Guthrie Sports Page All-Decade team, finished his senior season with 58-catches and 915 yards. Seven of those 58 grabs went for scores for the 6’4 wide-out, who up until October 9th led all NAIA receivers in total yards. He finishes the season with an average of 91-yards per game.
In 1996, McDonald was playing football with his younger BJ (2009 Guthrie alum now playing basketball at Northern Oklahoma College) inside their home when BJ’s tooth struck Kent in the temple. Doctors told his parents (Bobbie and Kenneth) that were not sure if their 7-year-old would survive throughout the night.
“God performed a miracle healing in his life all those years ago,” Bobbie said, who travels often to see her boys play.
“They said he would never play sports again,” Bobbie recalled. “Doctors dismissed him from their care 9 months later and told us that he was a miracle child touched from above.”
Kent fought through more adversity just weeks ago with the passing of his grandmother. He finished the season playing in her memory and soon after the news of his grandmother’s passing, McDonald learned he will be going to Akron, Ohio to work-out in front of NFL scouts after being selected to the BSN Showcase.
McDonald may face more adversity in the future and playing in the NFL, but everyone has seen how McDonald faces adversity.
Great job Fred!! Keep working hard brother!
That is so awesome for Kent. Congratulations!