Brevard College Tornados welcome newest member who brings more than basketball

BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) — A crowd gathered in the hosting room adjacent to Brevard College's Boshamer Gymnasium to meet the newest member of the Tornados. Players filed in, cameras set up in the middle of the room, and three name placards were placed carefully on a table at the head of the room.

"Good morning, ladies and gentleman," Phil de Montmollin, Brevard College assistant athletic director for Athletic Communications boomed through the PA system. "We're glad you could join us for this special event."

By now, head coach Lee Burgess has sat down in the far right seat, flanking to one side his newest player Javon Clark. On the far left sat Javon's mother, Jessica Campbell who seemed to be bursting at the seams with pride and emotion.

"He's a part of the team now, he belongs here," said Burgess before sliding over the official document to cement Javon's spot in the program. "This is his spot."

If it seems odd for a college program to hold a signing ceremony in their own facility in the early throes of their latest season, that's because this is no ordinary moment. Javon is a 17-year old native of neighboring Henderson County who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy nine years ago.

CERAMICS ARTIST AND TEACHER TURNS PASSION INTO THRIVING COMMUNITY ART STUDIO IN CANTON

The opportunity is coordinated with Team IMPACT, which matches children facing serious illness and disability with college sports teams, creating a long-term, life-changing experience for everyone.

"Rewind back to we're having our first child and it's a boy; me being an athlete and I'm like," recalled his father, Earl Clark pumping his fist. "You know? We're going to get out there and I'm going to teach him to shoot jumpers, and you think about his future and you want him to play college basketball one day. Fast forward to the diagnosis, and all that's out the window. Fast forward to now and he is on Brevard's basketball team."

"Life doesn't always go as you planned, but you can still achieve your dreams."

Javon's early childhood started like many that are born to former standout athletes. Soccer, tee-ball, you name it.

"We noticed he wasn't running as fast [as the other kids]," remembered Clark. "And I was always like, 'My son?' Because I was a sprinter in high school."

"He had these massive calf muscles; like you would think he could fly," explained Campbell. "Little did we know, it's a sign of Duchenne."

Doctor's visits came up empty on explanations. It wasn't until a late night Google search by Campbell revealed the possibility of Duchenne. Once confirmed, life changed rapidly.

"I think as parents you do a great job each day of getting up and putting your armor on and protecting your kids from your feelings," said Campbell. "For me it was about a two year period; I was angry at the world, I hated the world and everybody in it."

While everyone else wondered how, Javon began quietly showing them.

His room is covered in Marvel posters, action figures, movie posters, anything depicting Earth's Mightiest Heroes. In a way, Javon has his own super powers. Now using a wheelchair after falls became too consistent, he donates his time to Blue Ridge Humane Society. The volunteering is a service, but just like Thor's ability to control lightening, or Hulk's immeasurable strength - Javon brought a skill set needed to save the lives of potential adopted pets.

"Wheelchairs that are motorized makes some noise that could make a dog a little more nervous," explained Andrew James with the Blue Ridge Humane Society. "They get to experience that in a safe environment here because of Javon."

"Getting to be around a wheelchair is huge because when they get adopted, that might be something that they're exposed to in a house or family member of the person who adopts them."

"One of the things we've tried to instill in our kids is that no matter what happens in your world, you can play a positive role and you do serve a purpose," stated Clark.

The Avengers are not just made up of those with innate physical gifts. Arguably the most important of the heroes, Iron Man, uses wit and intelligence to conquer foes. In the same way, Clark has found a way to help the Tornados through a special knowledge.

BREVARD COLLEGE WOMEN'S LACROSSE CHECKING OFF RECORDS DURING HISTORIC SEASON

Before and after games he edits videos for the players and team to post on social media. Campbell said her son begins talking about his next idea as soon as they leave the gym after games or practices. "You get to the point where you let go of the idea that you thought your life was going to be, and you begin to embrace and find joy in the life you're living," she added.

"It's amazing, that kid's amazing," choked back Clark. "He's the best person I've ever met and I mean it. He's been the nicest, kindest soul that I've ever seen and I'm so proud he's my child. I just wanted to say that because he truly is amazing. He's handled that thing [DMD] with grace."

You may have noticed through this entire article, you have not heard from Javon. He is an observer of the world, one who thinks very carefully before sharing words and thoughts. But when he does decide to speak, it carries immense weight. During the press conference celebrating his commitment to the Brevard College basketball program, he was asked how he felt being in the room meeting all of his teammates and coaches at once.

After a short pause, he looked up. "I feel strong."