25th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards
COURAGE AWARD
2024 Jim Donovan Courage Award presented by Cleveland Clinic Winner - Josiah Saunders
MEET JOSIAH SAUNDERS: JIM DONOVAN COURAGE AWARD PRESENTED BY CLEVELAND CLINIC.
Josiah Saunders, a cornerback/safety on the Avon High School football team, is the recipient of the Jim Donovan Courage Award presented by Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine at the 25th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards.
Josiah, a senior, defied the odds in recovering from a catastrophic knee injury and returning to varsity play in September 2024. After suffering multiple ligament knee injuries – including tears to the ACL, PCL, and LCL – during a game on Sept. 23, 2023, Josiah's recovery has been a testament to his resilience and determination.
Despite a recovery process that typically takes 12 to 18 months, Josiah returned to the field just one year after his injury, an achievement that is rare even at the professional level. In fact, studies show that only 18.5% of NFL athletes with ACL/PCL/LCL injuries return to play — a statistic that highlights the severity of Josiah’s injury and the difficulty of his rehabilitation.
Josiah will receive the Jim Donovan Courage Award Presented by Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine at the 25th Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, presented by Medical Mutual and Ancora, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. "I am incredibly proud of Josiah’s perseverance," said Cleveland Clinic surgeon, Michael Scarcella, M.D. "Not only did he face a severe and complex injury, but he also had to contend with significant healthcare challenges that delayed his rehab. His determination and grit to overcome these obstacles and return to the field are nothing short of remarkable."
Josiah's recovery was complicated by several factors, including an episode of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure just one week after surgery, which delayed his rehab by 11 days. He was forced to complete much of his rehabilitation independently, with guidance from Avon High School's athletic trainer, Jim O'Leary, and his own sheer willpower.
"Josiah’s commitment to his recovery was unwavering," said Cleveland Clinic physical therapist Tim Bungo. "He worked tirelessly, showing up daily for hours of treatment. His dedication was key to regaining his strength and range of motion."
Despite these setbacks, Josiah said his self-motivation, support from family, friends, and teammates, and faith in his own abilities fueled his recovery.
"I just wanted to get back out there," Josiah said. "Football means everything to me, and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from playing again."
Josiah’s return to football on Sept. 13, 2024, against Elyria High School was a moment of triumph, not only for Josiah but for his team, coaches, and the entire Avon community. His journey serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges, showing that hard work, determination, and a positive mindset can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
PAST COURAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS:
2023: Olivia Slivinski, Avon Lake High School, Swimming
2022: Maya Austerman, Avon Lake High School, Basketball
2021: Robbie Boyce, St. Ignatius High School
2020: Camryn Colahan, Vermilion, Volleyball, Basketball and Track & Field
2019: Skylar Scarnecchia, Champion Township, Basketball and Track & Field
2018: Sophia Pecjak, Mentor, Soccer & Basketball
2017: Samer Babi, North Olmsted, Football - SamerStrong Memorial Foundation
2016: Kendra Seitz, Competitive Swimming
2015: Colin Teets, Westlake, Hockey
2014: Nick Lenyo, Huron, Football
2013: Courteney Belmonte, Westlake, Competitive Cheerleading
2012: Molly Miller, Notre Dame Academy, Soccer
2011: Brandee Kelly, Cleveland State University, Basketball
2010: Olivia Warhop, Hathaway Brown School, Swimming & Soccer
2009: Gyasi Cooper, St. Ignatius High School, Track & Field
2008: Eric Anderson, Jr., Gilmour Academy, Basketball
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