CHEBOYGAN – Jaelyn Wheelock wanted to keep going, but she knew something was wrong.
Her worst fears were realized when she suffered a torn medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) in Cheboygan's biggest game of the soccer season, a district game against Traverse City St. Francis. Wheelock and the Chiefs fell short of the Gladiators and their season ended. But despite her major setback, Wheelock vowed to do everything in her power to help her get back on her feet.
Well, she came back as a sophomore. And so far, she's been great.
On Monday, Wheelock recorded a hat-trick and an assist, continuing Chiefs' strong start in a 6-0 win over Roscommon.
Softball sweeps TCW:It's revenge!Offensive Display Keys Cheboygan Softball Sweeps TC West at Home
Cheboygan Rolls Roscommon:Wheelock's hat trick gives Cheboygan a 6-0 win over Roscommon.
“(Recovering from the injury) was pretty tough, and this sport really helped me get through it,” Wheelock said after the win. “I was able to get through it better because that’s where I find peace of mind.”
Whether it's scoring points or setting up teammates, Wheelock's efficient play has been a huge catalyst for a Cheboygan team that has dominated opponents thus far. All of Wheelock's finishes on Monday were impressive, including a strike from long range that put the Chiefs up 5-0 just before halftime.
“Our team is very collaborative and everyone enjoys getting along,” Wheelock said. “It's a lot of fun to go out and play together. I really appreciate it. Even if I can't play, I'll still help the team and do whatever I can. I'm just happy to be here.” ”
The comeback journey has been a fascinating one for Wheelock, who had a successful campaign in basketball before returning to Cheboygan football.
“I was worried (that I would get injured again). I had dislocated my knee a few times while playing basketball, so I was worried that it would get worse if I went out on the field and hit the bumpy surface. I was worried about that, but so far I'm fine,” Wheelock said.
Taylor Bent:Cheboygan's Bent is excited about its next soccer chapter at Grand Rapids Community College
Combine symbols with ACC:Family legacy: Onaway's Jadyn Mix signs to play basketball at Alpena Community College
Not too long ago, Cheboygan coach Tom Markham wasn't sure Wheelock would be able to return and contribute. But now that she's here, he knows he has a dangerous offensive weapon that can cut through his opponent's defenses.
Markham praises the resilience one of his young stars has shown throughout the process.
“She’s a really tough kid and one of the things I really like is that she wants to go out,” Markham said of Wheelock. “It's old school in terms of wanting to go out and play until the end. She doesn't seem to be worried about going out and getting hurt. She's a good, tough, go-to-the-end player, just like everyone else. We're excited to have her and it's great that she's still a (sophomore).”
Wheelock and Cheboygan will look to start 4-0 when they host Big Rapids Crossroads on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf.jgreenleaf@gannett.com.Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter@Sports CDT
