[BobbyB]

Former 3-sport star at AuSable battling Lou Gehrig's Disease
November 03, 2006

AUSABLE FORKS — Former classmates, friends and the greater AuSable Valley community are rallying around John Nixon, a three-time sports standout now battling

Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Nixon, an AuSable Valley sports star in the early 1990s, was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or A.L.S., the disease that struck down Gehrig, the New York Yankees great and future Hall of Famer, in the late 1930s.

There is no medical cure for the neurological motor disease that attacks the muscles; however, there are alternative treatments now is use. Nixon is currently on an all-organic diet and taking supplements and vitamins in his fight against A.L.S.

The treatments have been sapping Nixon's health insurance and creating a real hardship for John and his wife Lindsay who recently purchased a home in AuSable Forks. Nixon returned home in June from Miami where he completed his four-year commitment to the United States Coast Guard.

In an effort to ease the financial burden, fellow classmates and friends have organized a dinner and auction for Saturday to kick off the fundraising effort. The dinner, with 250 tickets available, was an instant sellout, but the auction is open to all. It will get under way at 6 p.m. at the American Legion in AuSable Forks.

Many area businesses and individuals have offered items, money or time for the fundraiser and in some cases, all three.

In addition, t-shirts and bracelets are on sale throughout AuSable Forks and will soon be available online. A web page is being constructed with the domain address www.jonnynixon.com.

Donations are also welcome and checks made payable to the John Nixon Fund can be forwarded to: The John Nixon Fund, c/o Jessie Strong, P.O. Box 314, AuSable Forks 12912.

Ed McCallister, the former Lake City Stars coach and an AuSable Valley standout in his own right, remembers Nixon as "a definite player to watch" in the early 90s.

"It didn't matter what sport John was playing," McCallister continued.

Nixon, an all-star wide receiver, was CVAC Offensive Player of the Year in 1994 as

he helped AuSable Valley complete its only undefeated season in football.

"Whether making an unbelievable catch, or a TD saving tackle, John was the one counted on when a big play was needed," McCallister added.

"The defense that year yielded a league-low 15 points, a record that still stands today. Against Seton Catholic, that record appeared about to be broken when a Knight ball carrier broke free down the sideline and was on his way to an apparent TD. Johnny came from clear across the field, made the tackle, and the team held and the record remained intact."

Nixon went on to distinguish himself in basketball and baseball.

Nixon and Tupper Lake's Jim Page waged one of the most remarkable shooting exhibitions ever seen, on Senior Night at AuSable Valley. Page hit seven 3-pointers on his way to a 30-point night while Nixon came through with 10 treys and 40 points to lead AuSable Valley to victory.

Nixon blossomed quickly in baseball, earning a spot on the varsity while in eighth grade and all-star recognition the next season.

"The community is now showing Johnny and his family what he and they mean to them," McCauliffe went on.

"And John, his wife Lindsay, mom Kathy, brother Joe and sisters Lori and his special angel Kari Lynne, along with the rest of his family, want you to know how much they appreciate your support. Johnny has always been the go-to guy when it came to winning the game, and Johnny is ready to step up to the plate and win this challenge as well."

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