Cody refused to accept the prognosis he would never walk.
Never Giving in to Can’t
Posted January 19, 2010
IN HIS 29 YEARS OF REFEREEING high school football, Bobby Garrison has tried to be a good influence on the kids he encounters on the field. But last October, he met one athlete who instead made a lasting and positive impression on him.
As Garrison was getting ready to go to the center of the field for the coin toss to begin a game at Smyrna High School, in Smyrna, Tenn., Coach Matt Williams approached him with a special request. He wanted to add an honorary captain for the team’s last home game of the year—Cody Noyes, a senior with cerebral palsy who, while not an actual player, had become an integral part of the team. “He told me they wanted to surprise Cody by making him the honorary captain and have him dress out and wanted to know if I’d let him come out for the coin toss,” Garrison recalls. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’”
Cody’s form of cerebral palsy makes his muscles so tight his movement is seriously impaired. Early on in his life, his doctor said Cody would never be able to walk, or even write. But Cody has fought back against that prognosis, always pushing the limits of his abilities, and he now not only walks without assistance but aspires to run a full marathon one day. At the same time, Cody has excelled in school and achieved a 3.8 grade-point average.
When he became passionate about the game of football, Cody wanted to get involved in any way he could. Cody became Smyrna football’s “motivational coach,” a role he takes so seriously -- he attends every game, every practice, every film session. He runs sprints with the team, and sometimes even runs the bleachers—a feat so challenging for a person with cerebral palsy that it inspires the players to push themselves harder, too.
One of Cody’s most important jobs is delivering pre-game speeches to the team.
“I’ll talk to them about just working hard during the game, about what the opposing team thinks about them and how that should affect their strategy, and then I always relate it back to God. I tell them God gave them their talents, and they’ve got to use them to the best of their ability,” explains Cody, adding that he sometimes manages to work all of that into a rap song because “some people respond better to music.”
Coach Williams stresses that Cody has the role of motivational coach because he’s so valuable to the team. “I’ve told Cody that everything he’s gotten, he’s earned,” Williams says. “Not being able to actually play, he’s really put effort into learning the games, the rules, the strategy, and things like that. I don’t think you can overemphasize the effect he’s had on our players. It’s a great example for them to see him go through his daily struggles with such a great attitude.”
Cody makes that impression on just about everyone he meets. During that October game when Bobby Garrison honored Williams’ request to make Cody honorary captain and watched Cody approach the center of the field as honorary captain for the coin toss, he felt a strong sense of what the night meant to Cody.
For the toss they used the coin that Garrison has brought to every game he had refereed for the past 15 years. Then, “I don’t know why this just popped into my head,” Garrison says, “but I thought, ‘this is a special night for Cody and this is a special coin to me because I have used it for so long.’ So I gave it to Cody."
“At halftime, the athletic director came up and said, ‘You know, you really made that special for him,’” he continues. “But it was just a small thing. Look at what he’s given back to everyone else—including me. Knowing him has given me inspiration to do the best that I can and not give in to adversities or obstacles in life. That young man will be successful in life; I just know it.”
As for Cody, who plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University next year, that seminal game only got better when he was named High School Player of the Week for Middle Tennessee. He also received another gift -- the Smyrna football uniform he wore for the first time that night.
“That,” Cody says, “was the best present I’ve gotten in my entire life.”
comments (65)
In Cody's case, it is very evident that physical skills are not the determinate in athletics. His spirit in coaching and urging the team to do the best that they can do shows his courage and ability to overcome serious obstacles. He leads not only with words but also with his determination to show others that a disability can be overcome with the desire to achieve more physically than the doctors said he ever could. There are no limitations for Cody because of his will. Keep climbing, Cody!
Judy BatesVery inspirational story!
Crystal StonerThis is one story that is truly moving. It brought me to tears this morning when I read it.
JenniferWhat a touching and motivational story........ Bobby Garrison, you are a good man & Cody is an inspiration to everyone.
Tona EckleyWow! great story about fighting against the odds! the right attitude goes a long way.
Albert MatuteThat's a lesson of life !!!!!
Patricia DaSilvaThat was a great heartfelt story and that just goes to show when you are passionate about something and work hard for it the rewards can be great!
D. GravesImagine if everyone treated life like Cody!
Amber MungerWith so much evil in the world today, I just thank the Lord for the ones who created this site. We can all pass the good on, and change the world one person at a time.
cynthia g. smithWhat an awesome story. It should inspire all of us to be thankful in whatever situation we find ourselves in and strive to be the best we can.
BelindaThis story touched me, not only personally but spiritually as well. I see Cody as a role model. The Role Model known as, "Hope!" In spite of his diagnosis as a child, Cody was determined to push forward in life. He refused to allow his condition to define who he was (an encourager and a child of the most high) and what he could or couldn't do. Often times, we look at our current situations and allow it to take control of our lives. I would like to challenge each reader of this article to this: The next time you are faced with a circumstance, take a minute and reflect back on Cody Noyes. A young man who didn't allow his situation or circumstance to stop him from being who he was called to be. Just remember that, there is no situation or circumstance impossible for GOD!!
Laura Hughley, ALWhat an inspirtational story! It really touched my heart. Cody is an amazing example for people who go through a tough time and still make the best out of it and keep a positive attitude!
Scotti AlkireThis story just shows me how grateful we should be... Cody is just such an inspiration and motivation. Something to really think about...
Brenda RamirezThis is an AWESOME story, very touching!
DenaWhat a wonderful heartwarming story! It brought tears to my eyes.
Pam LivingstonWhat a touching story to see the difference that one person can make to another, just incredible.
LauraI thank the Lord for people like Cody. He is such a blessing to many people.
LaToya JohnsonWonderful, beautiful, moving story. Thank you for sharing it. Does make one think about how lucky we really are to have what we have, and to be grateful for it. I am really proud of Cody for all his accomplishments and thank him for teaching the rest of us a valuable lesson how we see ourselves- God Bless You.
Patty DouceyThis is what impresses me, the human spirit. So many people want to be impressed by money and fame but this is what really matters in life. Very good story, thanks for sharing. Not only did I get chills but this made me cry. Mr. Garrison, you take Regions values to a new level.
Fran NolinEveryone should have an outlook on life like this- A truly inspiring & motivating story!
Lesleigh BoltonWhat a great story, brought tears to my eyes. Bobby you are a great man and thanks for sharing your story
Devona JenkinsWow! That was a very inspirational and moving story. It inspires me to do better in all that I do.
Craig OvertonWow!!! As a Smyrna High School alumnus, I was very excited to read this moving, motivational story and so very proud of Cody! And to Mr. Garrison, how special that you were a part of such an important moment in Cody's life...one he will treasure forever! Thank you for your kindness.
Tara Drye, TNThanks for this message. Cody is such a special person.
Martha FrenchWOW!! This story bought tears to my eyes. Such an act of selflessness is rarely found in high school students. It's great to know there are still great people in this world. Very inspiring.
Ingrid BrockThis is simply...........Inspirational!
Shannon BrownMay we all remember...it's not really the big things we do in our lives that make a difference. It's the small things like this that turn into big things that make a difference.
John ForresterMy life isn't so hard after all.............
cory williamsThis story is evidence of the mighty GOD we serve. Cody inspires hope to anyone facing difficulties in their life and allows himself to be a vessel for God's purpose. My prayer is everyone starting with myself to strive to be more like him. Thanks Bobby for your service on and off the field.
Carol B. MillsSee the Good! Keep them coming. Thanks!
Tom ReyWhat an inspiring story. When God's in the middle of one's heart, it impacts everyone around them. Congratulations, Cody--I'm so proud of you!!!
Janet WilburnCody is a brave young man, and his story makes me want to push myself harder, and have a more positive attitude in life! Thanks for sharing Bobby!
Brandi TollettMy heart melted with joy and my eyes full of tears GOD BLESS
kimly tarterWhat an awesome story! It absolutely made my day!
Jennifer ReichThis shows us how blessed we are in life! People like Cody have so many obstacles in life but he doesn't allow it to change his attitude. He is truly an inspiration to me....great story!
F. HowardThis story brought tears to my eyes. What a truly exceptional young man! Imagine what could be accomplished if everyone had the same attitude and spirit that Cody does.
Christie BeaupreHow proud his parents must be. What an extraordinary young adult.
Mary ArceneauxThis proves that there is a God who makes us all perfect in his own image! Thank you for sharing this story.
Lee Ann JohnsonA truly inspirational story. I have a daughter with a disability (Down Syndrome) and I have always encouraged her to do her best always and have never held her back from anything. She is now 23 and has a job, is on a soccer team and has recently found a special needs Cheerleading squad to be on. She is truly enjoying her life!! It is so wonderful to see this young man so well accepted. Good for you Mr. Garrison for making Cody feel special. It really doesn't take much to make their day. Just a nice hello goes a long way!
Karen NietoWhat an inspiration. We sometimes don't realize how God uses people to touch our lives, and Cody's really has.
Janet CreightonGreat story. Very inspiring!
BAWhat a truly beautiful story of hope and courage. It should remind us of how greatly blessed we are.
KathyA truly fantastic story. Thank you for posting it.
DennisThis story emphasis three important sayings I try to live by: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." "I had shoes and complained until I saw a man with no feet." "And a child shall show them the way." Cody is a true inspiration. We all need to be reminded of what we can do if we have the faith.
Rolanda HortonWOW! This is just simply amazing and a life lesson to all of us. This story truly represents, "If God leads you to it; he will lead you through it." Obviously Cody's will and belief in God has helped him to where he is today. Way to go Cody, you are simply amazing! I hope you you will continue to make a poistive impact on everyone's life that you come into contact with.
Dana ProshkaLove this story. I love reading about what our associates are doing to help others outside the bank and inside the bank. This story truly touched my heart! Thank you for sharing!
KimSuch a special story. Everyone has something to share and/or give the people they come in contact with everyday -
CindyWhat a self-less act of true kindness. What a moving story.
Eric TippensThis is an example of why my husband is a football official--so many times those on the field lose sight of why they are there--not the case with Bobby--a good man who does what he does for the kids playing the game that he loves--and Cody is a blessing to all who have the privilege to meet him--my husband was blessed by Cody!!!!!
Elaine GarrisonJust like Michael Jackson the song artist said just start with the man in the mirror to make the world a better place. I thank God each day for his gift of people like the ones in this story and the staff that started this site. Barbara from Winder Ga
BARBARA WELLS KILGOREI think the world would be such a better place if we had more Cody's out there. That story made my day today and inspired me that no matter how hard the obstacle is you can overcome it. Thank you Cody!
Cassie MelsonWOW!! Just reading that makes me realize how no obstacle can get in the way of dreams or beliefs. Cody will definitely be successful in life.
Diego MellaCody is such an inspiration to us all. He doesn't let his illness control him but he control his illness and beating the odds. We all can learn something from Cody and never give up even if the odds are against you.
Resheda MartinAs a fellow referee and one who was aware of this remarkable kid I applaud Garrison in bringing this to light. There are lots of these kinds of stories on a given Friday night but all to often we get caught up in the game. Who is playing, how big it is, are the stands full, is the TV crew here and who is buying the refreshments after. Coaches for the most part are the same way. Knowing that school and their emphasis for winning, I applaud Coach Matt Williams for seeing the bigger picture. Thanks Bobby for bringing this to the forefront and reminding me of what "sports" really are.
Steve JacksonThis was a great inspirational story to start of my day. Cody defines the meaning of living life to the fullest.
Deniece AndrewsCody is an amazing young man and he is a wonderful example for all of us. I have a MOTTO that says: Be Blessed and Be A Blessing To Someone Else!! KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!! Cody is that motto in action. He will do even greater things and bless even more people in the future. I wish him God's best in the years ahead. Doris
Doris DawkinsThis story should teach us that we should not take life for granted. " Appreciate what you can do, Don't worry yourself about what you can't do "
Cameron McCloudWow – overcoming obstacles in our everyday life seem so trivial compared to what we see here. We can all learn from Cody. Certain situations we are faced with are not controllable, but our reactions to them are! If we can all treat every challenge the way Cody does, imagine the positive impact that could be made to our circles of influence.
Morton U - HooverWhat a blessing Cody and Coach Garrison bring to a team. This was a moving and inspirational story. God will continue to bless Cody in his new adventures.
Shelia BVery touching!!
UsiadeanWhat a very touching story that hits so close to home. Cody is obviously a blessing to many people. Even though he has the physical challenges he is able to look past those for himself and encourage others. Way to go Cody!!! I also have a 17 yr old son who was diagnosed with cerebral palsey and full blindness at 9 months of age.He is totally reliable on others for everything.His smile is contagious and it warms my heart. And I know there is nothing too hard for God!!! And on Him we rely on.
Gretchen HedrichThanks for sharing such an inspirational story!!!
Sabrina B SmithI was a "collegiate athlete', how great it would have been to have a "Cody" on our team. what a great motivational story.
Derek StarrWow that was an awesome story! Brought tears to my eyes half way through. Cody is such an inspiration!
Angela SegarsThat is a touching and inspirational story.
Ricky Moore