Three Injuries. Three Journeys. Three Comebacks: with Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry & Collin Roelofs

02/23/25 • 67 min

A sports injury to end your season, and maybe take away your sport forever. It's the devastating news no athlete ever wants to hear. Depression, sadness and anger are all part of the process, isolation and doubt show up too.

In this episode, we are blessed to have Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry and Collin Roelofs all come on The 29/1 and simply tell the truth, sharing their experience with you, the greater West Ottawa, and greater sports community.

These three West Ottawa High School Seniors open up about the hurdles they've faced, from torn ligaments and tendons, to surgeries, rehab and the emotional toll of time spent off the field. Their stories are not just tales of recovery, but of rediscovering purpose and community support in the face of adversity.

With everything they've gone through, they also share a light spirit and optimistic outlook toward the future. They share what they've learned, they detail their comeback and in the end, provide us all with the permission to feel the pain of loss, share it those around you, and when the time comes, move forward with determination and grit.

This episode was recorded on February 18, 2025.

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Podcasts now dropping at 5pm every Sunday evening for that late weekend chill, or listen Monday AM during that morning commute or workout. Please like, follow, subscribe, or leave a review. Even share with someone who might like to listen. Thanks for taking the time to get to know each other a little bit better. The people who make West Ottawa Athletics what it is. Go WO!
Special thanks to Laura Veldhof Photography.

This episode was recorded on February 18, 2025.

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Previous Episode

Throwing Moves & Shedding Stereotypes: Varsity Competitive Cheer with Ashlyn Stonick, Kirstyn Wilson & Mindy Vork

Prepare to be inspired by the world of Competitive Cheer at West Ottawa High School as coach Mindy Vork, and seniors Kirstyn Wilson and Ashlyn Stonick reveal the intense dedication and resilience behind their sport.

Discover how synchronized movements and high-stakes stunts demand not only physical prowess but also mental toughness. Coach Vork provides a compelling perspective on what it takes to lead a team in this demanding sport, while Ashlyn shares her experience of navigating sudden changes and maintaining performance. We also examine the empowering evolution of competitive cheer as a varsity sport in Michigan, celebrating its role in elevating female athletes.

Journey alongside senior cheerleaders Ashlyn and Kirstyn as they recount their early days in ballet and competitive dance, which set the stage for their cheerleading careers. Coach Mindy offers a behind-the-scenes look at her transition from JV to varsity head coach, detailing the increased challenges and high expectations faced when competing against top teams like Jenison, Rockford and East Kentwood. This episode also sheds light on the strategic goals set by the team, emphasizing the necessity of focusing on accomplishments rather than missteps.

Explore the distinction between sideline and competitive cheer and how each aspect prepares athletes for the heightened rigor of competitive events. Uncover the creativity and teamwork that bring Competitive Cheer Routines to life. From crafting innovative cheers to the crucial role of vocal strength in competitions, this episode celebrates the collaborative effort and community support that drive success.

Learn about the Three Rounds of Competitive Cheer Competition, where the action is energized, detailed and performed at incredibly high levels.

Ashlyn and Kirstyn illustrate the whirlwind of quick changes and precision required between rounds, underscoring the trust essential for executing complex routines. As we discuss setting performance goals and the importance of community support, you'll gain insight into the passion, resilience, and unity that define West Ottawa High School's competitive cheer team.

This episode was recorded on February 10, 2025.

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Next Episode

WOBN & Game Day: Pushing Buttons & Boundaries with Quinn VanderKamp, Cody Schurman, Fatima Correa Morales & Lindsay Walcott

Three years ago, the fan football experience at West Ottawa was traditional – you'd watch the game, listen to the Public Address Announcer, and perhaps enjoy some music from a CD player. Fast forward to today, and the difference is remarkable. With the addition of West Ottawa Stadium in fall 2022, a mobile live streaming studio already being utilized this year, and recently announced video scoreboards coming to the main gym in 2025, the Panthers are revolutionizing how their community experiences high school sports.

The transformation of the game day experience at West Ottawa High School has begun, involving students and adults in a purposeful, collaborative partnership.

The West Ottawa Broadcasting Network (WOBN) stands at the center of this transformation. Led by broadcasting teacher Lindsay Walcott, who has been with the school for 20 years, and supported by Athletic Director Bill Kennedy, the program has grown from just 13-14 students two decades ago to a full day of broadcasting classes. Students like Quinn VanderKamp, Cody Schurman, and Fatima Correa-Morales are the faces of this revolution – handling everything from play-by-play commentary to switching camera angles, creating graphics, and managing the music that energizes the crowd.

What makes this program truly special is how it combines authentic learning experiences with genuine contributions to the school community. These students aren't just practicing broadcasting in a classroom setting; they're running actual live events watched by hundreds of fans.
Perhaps most impressive is how these students have leveraged their creative control to enhance the game day experience. They've created video content for the Daktronics Jumbotron, coordinated with the band for live drum rolls, and curated music playlists that appeal to every demographic in the stadium – from current students to administrators to parents. As Bill Kennedy noted, "There's no one that even comes close to what we're pulling off."
As West Ottawa prepares to expand their video capabilities to the gymnasium in 2025, the foundation laid by these pioneering students will benefit future classes for years to come. While they won't be there to enjoy the new technology themselves, they take pride in knowing they helped build something lasting. As Quinn put it, "In football and baseball, we always say that we're building a program not for us, but for the people below us."
WOBN represents what's possible when schools invest in both technology and student empowerment. By trusting students with real responsibility and allowing them to make meaningful contributions, West Ottawa has not only enhanced their athletic events but also created authentic pathways to college and careers in broadcasting, sports management, and beyond.

This episode was recorded on March 11, 2025.

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The 29/1 - Three Injuries. Three Journeys. Three Comebacks: with Avery VanDellen, Brandon Berry & Collin Roelofs

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.160

I was planting my knee and it just goes backwards and twists inside . That was the worst pain I've ever felt .

Speaker 100:00:10.063

I kind of went down and lost my breath . I couldn't breathe . That's how bad it hurt , and I just knew . My first thought was I just ruined my senior year .

Speaker 300:00:28.519

Hey everybody , thi