Aurora Central Catholic freshman Logan Mitzel became an ACC football Charger last Friday, navigating the field in his battery-powered chair as honorary captain as part of the school’s participation in Coach to Cure MD event. He has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. News Bulletin photo.

Logan Mitzel may be wheelchair bound, but it doesn’t slow him down.

Logan, 14, is an Aurora Central Catholic freshman with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He became an ACC football Charger Friday, navigating the field in his battery-powered chair.

Before the game with St. Edward, he served as honorary team captain, making the opening coin toss, and then joined the Chargers on the sideline.

For a third year, ACC is participating in the nationwide Coach to Cure MD event.

The observance is a partnership of the American Football Coaches Association and Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. PPMD is the largest national charity devoted to Duchenne MD.

ACC is among four Illinois high schools participating. Others are Jacobs, Rockford Christian and Prairie Ridge. 

Logan’s father, Scott, and Chargers’ quarterbacks coach Tim Casey are both AFCA members who learned about Coach to Cure MD at the association’s annual convention.

First diagnosed at age 4, Logan took his last steps at 11.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood.

Progressive muscle weakness due to MD causes lack of mobility and decline in respiratory and cardiac function.

—News Bulletin news sources