TEMPLE, Texas — The Holy Trinity Catholic High School Celtics took the field on Nov. 3 for their final home game of the season. However, this time they were not only playing for a win, they were playing in honor of a teammate who couldn't be on the sidelines with them.
15-year-old Adam Compean, a sophomore linebacker for the Celtics, has been in a coma since he was in a multi-vehicle crash just minutes away from his home on Dec. 15, 2022.
On Nov. 3, Compean's team honored their friend by recognizing him as an honorary captain in their senior night game against Faith Academy Marble Falls.
Compean's teammates and fans in the stands held a quick moment of acknowledgment and a prayer before the game, before the football team carried Adam's #21 jersey out onto the field with them.
Compean's family said he has been unconscious, but slowly improving since the crash.
"We see the baby steps that he's improving, he responds to our sounds, he responds to his touch," said Jeanette Compean, Adam's mother.
The Compean family said with the power of prayers and the support of the community, Adam is getting stronger every day.
"We are hopeful, we pray and we know that God is good, and with a mustard seed of faith we can move mountains," said Jeanette Compean.
Adam Compean's teammates are also standing by his side, and keeping him by theirs.
"He always finds a way to put a smile on your face and it's just a great friendship," said Michael Hubbard, one of Compean's teammates. "We're putting it all out for Adam."
"It's going to give us more pride, something to keep us moving in the game," said Jacob Boone, another one of Compean's teammates and friends. "Give us more upmoving and make it give us more spirit to win the game to know it's actually for him, like every game is, that he is here with us."
Until #21 returns, the Celtics will carry him with them.
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