Saint Joseph University Basketball Coach Phil Martelli Helps Lenny Martelli Walk Again

University Basketball Coach Helps Paralyzed Teen Walk Again

When 16-year-old Lenny Martelli of Pennsylvania strode across a basketball court at the urging of his coach recently, it was a symbol of achievement and promise. The teen overcame a dramatic snowboarding injury that doctors told him would keep him from walking ever again, ABC reports.

The coach urging him along -- Phil Martelli of Saint Joseph University's basketball team -- was once a stranger. The teen was often asked if he was related to the basketball coach who shares his last name, and after his injury Phil paid Lenny a visit, and made him a promise:

"I said, 'you know what, when you walk, you're going to walk out on the court with me,'" St. Joseph's Head Coach Phil Martelli said.

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