Oklahoma State University Athletics
Van Zant Makes Transition to College
August 27, 2004 | Cowboy Football
Van Zant was born without eardrums and is completely deaf. He uses an interpreter to translate the coaching staff instructions into sign language. He has another interpreter that goes with him to class and does the same thing for his teachers.
The circumstances would be difficult for any freshman to succeed in, but Van Zant has handled himself well thus far.
Other members of the Oklahoma State football team have taken to Van Zant and have even tried to learn how to communicate with him.
“I get along with my teammates great,” Van Zant said through an interpreter. “They are good friends now.
“It is tough without an interpreter, but it is easy for me to communicate with Coach DeForest and close members of my team.”
Van Zant is learning to juggle his time between football and classes. He says it has been tough managing his time between football and class.
Allie Lee has been with Van Zant for every step during preseason practice. The two go their separate ways once practice has finished. Van Zant, however, is not totally lost without his interpreter.
Lee is adjusting to football as well. He is just as much a part of the football team as anybody else that roams the sidelines.
“This a new experience for me,” Lee said. “I have never interpreted any sports before. I did not really have an idea of what it would be like coming in here. Every day is a new experience.”
Van Zant and Lee both get along very well for not having known each other until the start of practice. Other players have been trying to learn some of the signs so that they can communicate with Van Zant.
Everything has been a big adjustment for both of them. Van Zant said that the biggest thing that he has had to deal with is that he misses his mom. However, his parents will be in the stands when the Cowboys take on Tulsa in the home opener on Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.
