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Alex Debniak - stanfan - 12-16-2012

There is a wonderful story at gostanford.com about the remarkable journey of Alex Debniak.  If you have ever heard this extremely articulate young man speak, you would never, ever guess the challenges he has met and continues to battle.

Re: Alex Debniak - 82lsju - 12-16-2012

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121612aaa.html

Re: Alex Debniak - dabigv13 - 12-16-2012

Wow, what an incredible story. Can't think of any friend of mine who would fail a class once and try again, let alone press on for a third time, particularly in the face of a very clear disability.

Thanks for sharing, I'll be rooting extra hard for him in the RB.

"He plays like his hair is on fire." - Redrum - 12-16-2012

One of the great Harbaugh quotes from a guy who knew how to say quotable things.    He said that about Debniak.  Amazing story.  Who would bet against this guy in almost anything he put his mind to?

Re: Alex Debniak - Hank 91 - 12-16-2012

Thanks for sharing this. A phenomenal story. When Debniak made that sack against on Oregon State, I thought it was a big story just because he was a senior. I had no idea of all that had come before that play.

Re: Alex Debniak - needle - 12-16-2012

Great, great story.

Before clicking, I thought maybe it was some semi-obscure NFL Draft website saying he might get drafted--just from watching the guy, I think he's got a real shot in the league as a special-teamer, if that's the path he wants to take.

Very, very impressive to learn of his challenges and what he's accomplished thus far.

Re: Alex Debniak - Nan3cy - 12-16-2012

What a remarkable young man!


Re: Alex Debniak - socalstanfan1 - 12-17-2012

Great, great article.  Thanks for sharing it.

The back story of Debniak's struggles help explain why a player with such phenomenal physical talent has not cracked the starting lineup (well, Debniak's challenges plus the presence of Chase Thomas), while making his contributions this year all the more inspiring.  On the right team, with the right coaching staff that allows him time to master the defense while contributing on special teams, I'm sure the NFL will be calling soon.  As a lifelong Niner's fan, I'd love to see him reunite with a group of coaches who can clearly appreciate his talents, as well as his increadible strength of character.  Somebody will be getting an absolute steal if they get Alex on their roster. 

Kudos to Alex, too, for opening up and sharing his story with us.  It is truly inspirational.   

Re: Alex Debniak - FarmBoy - 12-17-2012

Is it just me, or do stories like this one make other people feel like they could have worked a little harder to make the most of their god-given brain power? What could I have achieved if I'd put Debnak-ian effort into my studies and work?

It's a very inspiring story. Sometimes my wife asks me why I spend so much time following the exploits of a bunch of 18-22 year olds with whom I have no direct relationship. It's this kind of story that helps me justify, and appreciate more, all those hours dedicated to the Cardinal.

Re: Alex Debniak - pcgoode - 12-17-2012

I met Alex's family at a sports bar before a game last fall. Lovely people. They didn't mention any of Alex's challenges in getting to Stanford, but the pride they had for Alex was amazing. Unfortunately Alex didn't seem to have any brothers...

Re: Alex Debniak - stanforddad - 12-17-2012

It must be in the handbook. 

The same handbook that says,      Rule #1- The wife is always right.
                                                        Rule #2- When wife is wrong, see rule #1.

Re: Alex Debniak - pincemob - 12-26-2012

The Chronicle ran a touching story on Debniak this morning.  I don't think it's possible to cheer loudly enough for this kid. 

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Cognitive-issue-marks-Stanford-s-Debniak-4145493.php

Re: Alex Debniak - 81alum - 12-26-2012

As the parent of a child with a cognitive disability, I relate to this and am terribly impressed with what Alex has been able to do. 

Was anyone else bothered by this part of that interesting article?

Quote:Debniak has made a point of not telling coaches or even teammates about his disorder. He didn't want anybody to think he was using it as a crutch.

Maybe that explains why one of his early coaches at Stanford, obviously clueless about what was happening, called him "Tuna" and told him that it's "the strongest, fastest fish but also the dumbest fish in the sea."


Re: Alex Debniak - fullmetal - 12-26-2012

I hesitated, but I wasn't bothered.  I don't think the coach meant to denigrate Alex, especially if the coach was unaware of Alex's issues.  It sounded like the Tuna label was supposed to show both Alex's strengths and weakness.  But it could have certainly been used insultingly, and that would have been unacceptable as well as poor coaching.

Re: Alex Debniak - 82 Card - 12-26-2012

The tuna comment did bother me. Made me wonder who the coach was. In any context, it's just mean. There is nothing constructive about it. The comment makes me question the reasoning abilities of the coach. Standing there on the Staford campus it didn't cross their mind that there must be something else going on?

The coaches reaction is typical of people who fancy themselves smarter than they really are, especially people in power positions. Even in much less significant cases, folks will jump to "stupid" when confronted with someone who reacts more slowly or differently than they assume to be the norm. Unless they have run into it themselves, folks rarely consider or accept processing differences.

Re: Alex Debniak - terry - 12-26-2012

The description "one of his early coaches at Stanford" would seem to refer to Andy Buh, who was Debniak's position coach for Debniak's first two seasons at Stanford.

Re: Alex Debniak - 82 Card - 12-26-2012

I hope Mr. Buh has retired that analogy.  That kind of thing would not help U.C. East Bay rebuilding operation.

Re: Alex Debniak - Bruce Wang - 12-26-2012

Looks like Mr. Buh will be coaching at the Rose Bowl.  I will be cheering for the Stanford RBs and TEs to make his LBs look particularly bad, and the entire offense to make the Kal defense look bad for years to come.

Re: Alex Debniak - needle - 12-27-2012

Wait, didn't Debniak spend some time at running back?

Let's not get carried away with thinking we know Buh made the tuna comment.