Coach injured in accident returns to Daphne classroom

DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA) - Daphne High School welcomed back Coach Jacy Todd to school Wednesday.  Coach Todd has been recovering from a spinal injury he sustained in a car accident August 1.

The coach was previously on campus for a football game and pep rally , but now he’s back in the classroom.

For now, he’s still teaching from a wheelchair, but he’s not letting that stand in his way.

Todd greeted students in the hall from his wheelchair, but the chair is something he’s gotten used to since his accident.  For someone who doctors gave little chance of living a normal life, Todd has been recovering remarkably well.

“It almost feels like there was no accident,” Todd said.  “You know, it seems normal to be back and see friends and to see the kids and stuff like that; so it feels great to be back at Daphne High School today.”

Todd teaches three classed every day, including Alabama history and economics.  He’s rearranged the chairs in the classroom to accommodate a new lecturing style.  Todd said he was a bit apprehensive about how the students would receive him, but those tensions were soon put at ease.

“It’s very different for them to see me in this capacity, but they were great,” said Todd.   “They were very attentive.  They wanted to know what they could do to help me, which is amazing; and it’s my job to help them.”

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For students who’ve known Coach Todd both as a teacher and a linebackers coach for the Trojan football team, seeing their mentor back in the saddle was a great start to the New Year.

“It makes me feel great to see him back and it’s a blessing just to be back and he tells us to never take anything for granted,” said senior safety Terry Jenkins.

“I’m just happy to see him again,” teammate Christian Harris said.  “I hate that I couldn’t be his student for those months that he was out.”

For someone who’s already accomplished his first main goal of getting back in the classroom, Todd said he has his eyes firmly set on the next big goal.

“I do, but it’s not for me.  It’s for Daphne High School, and that’s to win a state championship,” Todd said with a big smile.

And with his determination and motivation, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see the Trojans go all the way in the near future.

Coach Todd has spent the last several months at the Sheppard Center in Atlanta going through rehab.  He’s now able to stand on his own and walk for short distances using a walker.