“Miracles Do Happen” [PODCAST]

His story is widely known across the sports world, but it’s one that can easily be listened to over and over again.

He’s Eric LeGrand, former member of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team, and now an honorary captain of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His journey over the past two years has been an inspiration to millions: he was presented with the Unsung Hero Award by the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and was the recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at this year’s ESPYs.

Eric LeGrand joined us on the South Jersey Sports Report to reflect on the 23 months since his traumatic injury. We also asked him about his favorite memory as a member of Rutgers football team, and what emotions he felt finally returning to the field, in Sports Illustrated’s ‘Best Moment of 2011′.

Listen in to find out about his relationship with former Penn State football player Adam Taliaferro, his ongoing dedication to the rehab process and why he guarantees he will walk again one day.

It was another exciting Friday night for Cape-Atlantic League football…..

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…..and Saturday afternoon looks to be no different. It’s a head-on collision, literally, between two of the area’s most talented football stars: QB Damon Mitchell of Cedar Creek, and LB Brandon Bell of Oakcrest.

Falcons head football coach Chuck Smith spent a few minutes on the show to breakdown the critical on-field matchup, and explained what his team needs to do to counter the Pirates’ speed on offense. The South Jersey Sports Report also asks who comes out on top when the ‘unstoppable force’ meets the ‘immovable object’, in a unique & natural rivalry that’s been brewing for more than three years in Atlantic County.

We check in with South Jersey Hall of Fame sports reporter Tom Williams for the best action across the Cape-Atlantic League, including the golden leg of “Thunderfoot”, a monster game from a St. Augustine Hermit and why St. Joe’s is officially the team-to-beat in South Jersey.

A local triathlon event celebrated a successful weekend recently, and now it’s the fastest growing competition of its kind in the nation. We found out from event director Stephen Del Monte why he’s seeing a huge increase in participants from all corners of the globe. Listen in to hear about the future of the A.C. International Triathlon, and why there’s no other venue like it in the world.

And will professional baseball ever return to Atlantic City? That’s up to Surf Stadium officials and the city, now working together in a collaborative effort to get something done. Press of Atlantic City sports reporter Jason Mazda explains what’s in the works at 545 N. Albany Avenue, and what it will take to bring a team back to the shore resort.

Listen to this week’s show:

Eric LeGrand, former Rutgers football player & Tampa Bay Buccaneers honorary captain

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Stephen Del Monte, Atlantic City International Triathlon organizer

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Jason Mazda, Press of Atlantic City sports writer

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Chuck Smith, Oakcrest High School head football coach

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Tom Williams, South Jersey Hall of Fame sports reporter

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We’d like to congratulate the dual winners for the South Jersey Athlete of the Week:

Anthony Giagunto, Football, St. Joe’s

Giagunto improved to 20-0 as the Wildcats’ starting quarterback with an impressive performance on the road against undefeated Millville.

Damon Mitchell, Football, Cedar Creek

“Duwop” did plenty of damage during the Pirates’ home opener against Bridgeton last weekend, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another in a 35-6 Cedar Creek win.

Also, congratulations to Robert Glanville of Brigantine. Robert shared his thoughts on how Eric LeGrand’s journey has inspired him and his family, and now he’s the proud owner of the new book, “Believe: The Victorious Story of Eric LeGrand”.

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9-11 a.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @SouthJerzSports.