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A Gay Athlete’s Journey: The Difficult, 'Dual Life' of Geneva's Todd Searcy
Part 1: Geneva Hall of Fame and Fighting Illini football player Todd Searcy led a life of success and secrecy.
Former Geneva High School star football player and 2010 GHS Sports Hall of Fame honoree Todd Searcy realized that he was gay more than three decades ago. In 1982, Searcy led one of coach Jerry Auchstetter’s best football teams in tackle points and sacks, as Geneva went undefeated in its regular season and won its first two playoff games by scores of 49-0 and 42-0 before falling in overtime in the semifinal game to the eventual state champion. Thirty years ago, Searcy was named the first-ever Little Seven Conference Most Valuable Player. Despite his athletic prowess, Searcy knew as a high-school junior and honors student that he was not attracted to girls in the same way his friends were. But that didn’t mean he lacked typical friendships …
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Peggie A. Boldt
7:58 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I enjoyed the articles very much and also everyone's comments. Hopefully, this will further Todd's efforts to educate people and promote greater awareness on the subject. Thanks again Todd for being a man of courage and great strength, to Martha for her insight and good storytelling, and to all who have participated in this discussion. more ›