With a reputation as a tough defender, Terrell Owens took on diabetes and completed his college soccer career with quite a kick. Courtesy photo

By Pat Turner
Contributing Writer

Thomas Owens never backed away from a challenge.

It didn’t matter if he was facing quality opponents in a pressure-packed soccer contest in high school or at Trinity University, the midfielder-defender usually found a way to prevail.

However, his biggest test during his senior year at Warren High School had nothing to do with stopping a high-scoring forward, but overcoming type-1 diabetes.

It’s an ongoing battle, but, just as he proved in soccer, Owens has put up quite a defense to get the upper hand.

And Owens has the credentials to prove it. Following an impressive high school career, he’s put together four memorable seasons at Trinity with the topper coming this past year.

Owens played a big role in helping the Tigers to a 23-1 record and a spot in the NCAA Division III finals. He was also named to the NSCAA All-South Region team, and received D3Kicks.com first-team All-American and NSCAA second-team All-American honors. Teammates Kyle Altman and Tyrone Petrakis also earned All-American honors.

“Thomas is a poster child for showing people you can get through something like diabetes and excel,” Trinity coach Paul McGinlay said. “To do what he has done is amazing. The endurance in soccer is so hard, but Thomas never let it bother him. He was just as strong in the last five minutes of the game as he was the first five minutes.”

Prior to being diagnosed with diabetes, everything appeared to be going Owens’ way. He was considering playing soccer for Air Force Academy and was also receiving interest from University of New Mexico.

When he was invited to UNM’s soccer camp, Owens didn’t feel at full strength. It was about that time, he started realizing something might be wrong. Shortly after, he learned the news.

Diabetes ended his chances of going to Air Force Academy. At the same time, New Mexico lost interest. Owens made it clear he wasn’t going to let the setback spoil the whole picture.

It has meant a change in lifestyle. Not only did he have to take insulin daily, but a proper diet was mandatory. During matches he had to keep a close watch on his blood sugar.

However, there are no complaints from Owens.

“I had all the symptoms,” said Owens, who spent his first two years of high school at Taft. “I was tired and thirsty all the time. I was losing weight. I knew it was going to be an obstacle, but my best friend (former Warren player Robbie Callahan) had it since he was 6, and he encouraged me. I knew from watching him it was manageable, and that made it a lot easier.”

During his senior year, he helped Warren to its first district championship, while also being named to the all-district squad and receiving Express-News Super Team honors.

Owens was equally impressive at Trinity. He was effective as a midfielder, but defense was his specialty. The Trinity senior proved that his senior season by helping the Tigers record 14 shots and allow 10 goals.

Although a 1-0 shootout loss to Middlebury College prevented the Tigers from bringing home a championship, it wasn’t enough to spoil the impressive ride Owens enjoyed at Trinity.

“It has been a great time here.” Owens said. “The soccer has been great. This was an amazing year. We had 10 seniors, and with that kind of leadership, everyone was focused all season. We knew what we wanted to do. I’ll never forget the experience.”

Through it all, Owens has built quite a big fan club, including his family who has supported him every step of the way.

“Thomas has had so many good examples and mentors,” said his father, Lionell Owens. “His mother (Lila) completely engrossed herself in learning all about diabetes and took the challenge head on. Thomas did the same. Despite losing several of his dreams in a short period of time, Thomas persevered and kept a good attitude about it. His experience at Trinity was phenomenal. We’re so grateful to Paul (McGinlay) for taking Thomas into his program.”

No question the Tigers are grateful to have had Thomas Owens.

“I knew Thomas had the potential to do well,” McGinlay said. “When I found out he had diabetes, I didn’t waiver one minute. I kept encoraging him to play, and, boy, did he ever play.”