PLAYING FIELD TO BATTLEFIELD

The Baltimore Sun

Running has always been an integral part of Kevin Diggs' life, from a childhood accident in which he tripped, knocked his head against the corner of a table and earned an inch-long scar beneath his left eye to a high school career in track and cross country for Southwestern High.

At graduation last month, Diggs had to fight the urge to pump his feet and start sprinting in his black gown. When his name was called, he blew a kiss to the crowd and walked proudly across the stage to accept his diploma. As he walked off the stage, Diggs knew his high school athletic career was behind him and, without a chance to play college sports, a career in the military ahead.

Veterans Athletes who served see the connection between sports and the military. PG 7D

About this series

Every spring, many of Maryland's young athletes graduate from high school and embark on military careers. While they enter military service having performed on teams and are in excellent physical shape, there is uncertainty about how an athletic background prepares them for war. Nothing can steel these former athletes for everything they encounter on battlefields. Some come home with lost limbs, lost hope and other disabilities. Some don't come home at all - except to be buried.

TOMORROW

Sports helps those in the military cope with war and reminds them of home.

TUESDAY

Those soldiers who didn't return home showed courage on and off the field.

WEDNESDAY

Being injured or disabled doesn't keep some from getting back in the game.

To follow the series online, visit baltimoresun.com/sportsmilitary

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