Riley Strickland (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record)
TRINITY – Riley Strickland says he’s excited to participate in high school sports again about nine months after a scary incident in a basketball game.
The Wheatmore senior, who was the starting quarterback a year ago, returned to action with the football team in Friday night’s loss to Bishop McGuinness.
“It feels good to be back,” Strickland said. “Hopefully, we can get the win next week.”
Strickland decided in the spring that he wouldn’t play football as a senior.
“I thought I was done,” he said. “After the first game, I had to come back. I couldn’t watch.”
Strickland, at 6-foot and 160 pounds, said he’s open to playing receiver and defensive back if sophomore Connor Benton remains at quarterback. He said he sensed the Warriors could use a boost.
“They’ve played with me and they know I know how to do things,” he said.
First-year Wheatmore coach Jacob Sheffield had Strickland take practice reps at quarterback. He was used at that position at times in the 46-12 setback to visiting Bishop McGuinness, but the winless Warriors found him most valuable at receiver.
“Both of them work well together,” Sheffield said Strickland and Benton. “I know both of them have to be on the field for us to be successful.”
Sheffield said it’s encouraging to have another experienced athlete available.
“He’s a resilient kid,” Sheffield said.
Strickland, who turns 18 in October, is twin brother to Wheatmore player Gavin Strickland.
Riley Strickland’s status took a disturbing turn during a Dec. 15 basketball game at Randleman.
Strickland’s injury came as he was trying to help the Warriors break Randleman’s press. He planted his foot awkwardly and tumbled in a non-contact situation. He landed so hard that his left shoulder popped out of socket.
“It was the freakiest thing,” Wheatmore basketball coach Craig Shoemaker said. “He kind of spun out and just fell wrong.”
Shortly after while receiving medical care in the visiting team’s locker room, Strickland said he experienced a spasm or seizure-like episode that might have been related to shock.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” he said.
Strickland had just moved into the basketball starting lineup prior to the injury. He said he’ll probably skip the basketball season as a senior, though now that he’s cleared for sports participation again that could change.
