At 3:05 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, Mohonasen High School senior Nate Resila signed his swimming career over to Niagara University’s Division I program, a feat that was only a dream two years ago when Resila was recovering from extensive spinal fusion surgery.
We are extremely thrilled for him, said mother Laurie Resila. `This is not just another story of a kid signing to a Division I school.`
Resila, who has been a part of the combined Mohonasen- Schalmont varsity swim team since eighth grade, underwent surgery in the spring of 2007 to combat his scoliosis, which he has had since the age of 5. James Resila, Nate’s father, said that without the surgery, his ribs would have caused damaged to his internal organs as his spine shifted.
The surgery removed one of Resila’s ribs, fused together five of his vertebrae from the ninth thoracic vertebrae to the first lumbar vertebrae, and use the removed rib to create a paste to mold together vertebrae and the pencil-length titanium rod that was screwed in place, according to Nate’s father.
`If he had not had the surgery, his ribs would have been spears into his chest,` said his father. `Dr. [Allen] Carl did a phenomenal job, he’s great and we’re lucky to have him in the area.`
The extensive procedure left Resila nearly immobilized, unable to roll over in bed, pick up items off the ground or compete as a member of the swim team.
By May of 2007, Resila was back in school at Mohonasen as a freshmen. By July of that year he was able to float on his back in a pool and began to undergo physical training from October of that year through March 2008. By April of his sophomore year, Resila was back in the pool, rebuilding his abilities as a gifted swimmer.
At first, it would take more than 20 minutes for Nate to get down the ladder and into the pool to start practicing again at the Niskayuna High School Aquatics Center two to three times a week and once a week at Mohonasen, depending on his strength level that day. He said he had to work his way back up to his previous abilities and that it took more than a year and a half to get back to earlier race times.
`We took baby steps to get him back at the level he was,` said Mohonasen-Schalmont Swim Team head coach Bill Mattola. `He’s always been a self motivator. It’s a real tribute to his determination to get to this level.`
`Coach Mattola has been a godsend,` said Laurie Resila.
Mattola visited Resila while he was recovering from the surgery, including walking with him for short distances on every Friday in Resila’s neighborhood when he was just beginning to recover.
Resila said that the turning point for his comeback was the Long Island invitational in January 2009 where he came in first in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard relay team, which he was also part of, came in first place. Resila would later go on to state competition for four events, two individual races and two relays, including the 200-yard relay, in which he came in third place.
Alongside his career as a swimmer, Resila has also built up a formidable resume. He has been able to stay on high honor roll every semester during his time at Mohonasen, is enrolled in AP and honors courses, gained the honor of Eagle Scout in Troop 357 for his work with the Greater Glenville YMCA, is the current vice president of the French Honors Society at MHS, Tri-M Music Honor Society vice president, member of the Science Honor Society at MHS and is a member of the High School Orchestra. Resila plans on a double major of History and French during his time at the university, stating that alongside his work with AP studies and honors classes, he should be able to complete his duties as a part of the swim team and in the classroom.
`It’s always great to see athletes move to that level of success,` said Mohonasen High School Athletic Director Joe Scalise of Resila’s achievements. `I’ve seen him excel in the pool, overcome his surgery, to get to swim at a Division I level ` I think it’s great.`
`It’s kind of special,` said Mattola. `I’ve been coaching for 22 years and this is the first time I’ve had someone get to this level.`
Resila credits his family, coaches and teammates in helping him through his recovery, and he said he is excited about his future at Niagara.
`This is great, especially after all I’ve been through,` said Resila. `I’m so blessed for the people who are around me and I wouldn’t be where I am without it. I feel really blessed to come back and I thank God everyday for this opportunity.“