Reaching for the Goal

By Jennifer Beverly

Driven, entrepreneurial and athletic describe Conway, South Carolina native Josiah Crawford. In 2020 during the midst of COVID-19, the Conway Christian School junior opened a car detailing business called Palmetto Boy to make some extra spending money and contribute to his college savings fund.

“I wanted a job that allowed me to make my own schedule while attending high school and playing sports,” said Josiah. “I branched out and created an opportunity where I still had time to do what I love - being with my family and friends and playing sports.”

Over the next year, Josiah expanded Palmetto Boy by working on weekends and throughout the summer months. During school, Josiah focused on schoolwork and athletics, playing both football and basketball.

In the fall of 2021, Josiah kicked off his senior year on the football field underneath the Friday night lights. During one of the first games of the season, an opponent tackled Josiah and he fell to the ground.

“My body landed on my foot and my left ankle cracked,” said Josiah. “The ambulance transported me to a nearby hospital, where X-rays confirmed that I had broken my ankle.”

Immediately after hearing Josiah’s diagnosis, Nicole Tinetti, a McLeod Health Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) at Conway Christian School, scheduled an appointment for him to see Dr. Jeremy McCallum, Sports Medicine Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon at McLeod Orthopaedics Seacoast.

Five years ago, Conway Christian added football to its athletic program. Along with the growth, the school decided to partner with McLeod Sports Medicine to provide a Certified Athletic Trainer as a healthcare resource for the student athletes.

“The school had a loose agreement with a local medical provider, but not a solid sports medicine program like we now have with McLeod,” said Victor Crawford, Josiah’s father and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Conway Christian School. “Our relationship with McLeod has been a game changer.”

McLeod Sports Medicine hired Nicole Tinetti, ATC, to assist with injury diagnosis and prevention as well as provide emergency care, therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation.

During Josiah’s appointment, Dr. McCallum examined his ankle and confirmed that he needed surgery, which was scheduled for the next day.

“Josiah had a fracture to his left distal fibula, one of the bones that supports the ankle joint,” said Dr. McCallum. “This type of injury is common among athletes and usually takes about 12 weeks to heal after surgery.”

Despite Josiah’s injury happening on the football field, his true passion is on the court playing basketball. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Josiah began playing basketball as a young child at six years old. The thought of not being able to play basketball his senior year devastated Josiah.

“Dr. McCallum never told Josiah that he would not be able to play basketball,” said Victor. “As a parent, I am thankful for the encouragement he provided to my son.”

Determined to quickly recover, Josiah completed two months of physical therapy at McLeod Rehabilitation in Carolina Forest. As Josiah reached his rehabilitation goals, Dr. McCallum allowed him to begin working with Nicole on specialized training techniques in preparation for basketball.

“I pushed myself hard during recovery, trying to figure out the difference between athletic training pain and injury-related pain,” said Josiah. “Luckily, working with Nicole gave me the guidance and support I needed to reach my goal and get back onto the basketball court.”

With a few games left in the season, Josiah and the Conway Christian Eagles basketball team finished strong in 2022.

“Josiah received phenomenal care from McLeod,” said Victor. “Nicole acted as a liaison between us, the physicians and rehabilitation to ensure a seamless continuum of care for Josiah.”

Even with the struggles from his ankle injury, Josiah managed to serve as senior body president, graduated Salutatorian, and continued working his auto detailing business. Josiah is currently attending Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina and plans to become an orthodontist.