Nolan's Courage Wins Branford's Heart

Branford High senior Kyle Nolan is a quarterback on the football team and a .

That gives you an idea of the range of talent this kid possesses.

However, outside of the scope of his athletic prowess, Nolan has shown the kind of determination and courage that one can only admire.

During his sophomore year, while battling the flu, Nolan was told by doctors that he had an enlarged vein in his heart and would need open-heart surgery to render his condition.

The procedure went well and Nolan returned to sports remarkably quick.

“It's an unbelievable situation," said Jake Palluzzi, varsity basketball coach and athletic director at Branford High School. "You figure some kids may use an injury or setback almost as an excuse. He couldn't wait to get back."

Gradually working his way back was a surprisingly smooth situation that surprised Kyle as well.

"After around ten weeks I got back into basically everything, said Nolan with a laugh. "It was a very quick process. I didn't expect it to be after having my chest ripped open."

"He's motivated," said Palluzzi. "He's an excellent student. They just don't make 'em like this anymore, he's a throw-back. I'm a parent, I know that we as parents often make things easy for our kids. This kid works for everything he has, his work ethic is immeasurable. On top of all this, there's no ego to him, he's always looking out for everybody. I hope in the future he'll be an inspiration to other kids who go through stuff like that. I'm glad I have had the opportunity to coach him."

See the video for an interview with Kyle Nolan.

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