Photo

Skevo Zembillas

Team

Campbell Memorial

Record	Div.	Conf.
3/7	Div. V	All-American Conference Blue Tier

By John Bassetti

bassetti@vindy.com

CAMPBELL

Skevo Zembillas’ season won’t end like it started — when the 5-8, 165 cornerback, receiver and return specialist scored three touchdowns in Campbell Memorial’s 42-28 win over Mineral Ridge — but, like it or not, Zembillis can live with it.

With his teammates preparing for a Division IV regional semifinal, the sideline-saddled Zembillas isn’t squawking.

How can that be?

“I thought I had a bad situation because I think I could have done some great things this year,” Zembillas said of missing 91/2 games because of a knee injury. “But I feel so much for those who are paralyzed for life or have disabilities. It made me appreciate what I have.”

The eight-week rehabilitation period he’s endured so far due to ACL and LCL tears suffered in Week 2, is just a blip on the radar when compared to permanent injuries.

“I’m missing a big season, but my mother told me the same things,” he said of reassurances that life-altering or congenital problems take a far heavier toll.

“Seeing someone in a wheelchair when I was on crutches changed my whole outlook,” said the speedster, who darted 82 yards on a TD run and 80 yards on a kickoff return in the season opener on Aug. 27. In the same game, he also caught a pass from Lester Hughes that covered 18 yards for a score.

The following week, during Campbell’s home game against South Range, Zembillas had his right knee hit while being tackled.

“I got a shovel pass coming up the middle,” he said of the play late in the second quarter. “Two players grabbed my left leg, then my right leg was fully extended and planted when another player came and hit me on the inside of my knee. There was no comfortable way to fall.”

The Campbell Journal snapped a picture of the tackle, the 17-year-old Zembillas said, but it’s still too painful to look at.

“It stinks,” he said of the anterior and lateral ligament damage. “The way I was hit from the inside forced pressure on the outside.”

Surgery to repair the LCL was followed by six weeks with no weight on the leg. The ACL operation added another two walk-less weeks.

He was then back on his feet using a cane.

Full recovery will take six months.

“Not long after the surgeries,” Skevo said, “the doctor said there was no doubt in his mind that I’d be playing football again. The knee is clean and the recovery is good so far.”

Still, watching his teammates in both regular and postseason games is reason for anxiety.

“Knowing there’s no way I could step out on that field was probably the worst feeling I could imagine,” said Zembillas, a lifelong Campbell resident with a Byzantine Catholic Central grade school background.

“I’m so excited for the team, but it’s difficult thinking that I’m missing it [playoffs] my senior year.”

Earlier this season, the team visited Zembillas at home.

“That was the best feeling,” he said of the team bringing an autographed ball. “I’ll cherish that.”

Coach Mickey Sikora visited several times to check on Zembillas’ condition and watch some game film footage.

“Along with my mom and family, I’m fortunate to have people supporting me.”

Zembillas says he’s definitely planning to play college ball, hoping that film from his junior year and 11/2 games as a senior will be convincing.

“I showed what I can do. Hopefully, colleges will accept that and see what kind of player I am; hardworking who gives 100 percent on every play.”

Just this week, Skevo returned to the weight room to start toning the upper body.

“I had a lot of time to brood about missing the season, but it’s time to move on and get out of my slump. I was down. Lifting makes me feel better and it’s something to look forward to.

“I’m happy they’re in the playoffs and I hope they go all the way.”