Alabama high school football: Oneonta one-armed kicker Gus Sokira inspires his team and others
CENTRE − Oneonta High football kicker Gus Sokira is a normal high school kicker, minus one notable exception.
Against Cherokee County on Friday night he went 3 for 3 on extra points and consistently was able to push most of his kickoffs past the 20-yard line. The only thing that separates Sokira from any other kicker in Alabama high school football is that he is missing his left hand.
Sokira was born with Amniotic band syndrome, which the Johns Hopkins website describes as when amniotic bands wrap around the fetus, restricting blood flow and affecting the growth of certain body parts. It can cause the "congenital deformities of limbs," including amputation. In Sokira's case, he has most of his left arm but not his hand, something he feels lucky about as amniotic band syndrome can impact any part of the body.
"I'm just blessed to have what I have, than what could've happened," Sorika said.
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Playing sports has always been a part of his life. He played baseball and soccer before his mother finally was able to convince him to play football. He started on the defensive line - because he like to hit people - before he was moved to kicker.
It was an immediate success and a place that Sokira has made work since the move. Off the field, he's also made an impact. In the weight room, Sokira is able to do most of the lifts that his teammates do, except power cleans. For coach Phil Phillips, it shows what kind of inspiration Sokira is to not only his team but anyone who sees him.
"You should see him in the weight room, he has these apparatuses, he can do almost every lift. It's kind of amazing to watch," Phillips said. "...If it doesn't serve for inspiration, then what does? To watch him work every day, on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, he just does a good job. He's helped us tremendously."
The journey to the gym and being an inspiration started with someone else inspiring Sokira. He saw someone in a wheelchair working out, and it made realize that he was lucky to only not have a hand, even if it is something he forgets at times. He understands what an inspiration he can continue to be on and off the field.
"That's one reason I like going to the gym. A while ago some guy inspired me, he was in a wheelchair," Sokira said. "As stupid as it sounds, I forget that I have one hand all the time. It actually kind of scared me a little bit. I looked in my mirror in my truck the other day, and I saw it, and it kind of freaked me out."
Sokira will continue to be a inspiration on the field when Oneonta takes on Fultondale. Oneonta still has to face Gadsden area teams in Etowah (Oct. 6) and Ashville (Oct. 20). Both are road games for the Redskins.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Alabama high school football: Meet Oneonta one-armed kicker Gus Sokira
