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Thrill of the hunt calls to health-challenged Coal Valley teen
Originally Posted Online: Nov. 03, 2009, 5:15 pm
Last Updated: Nov. 04, 2009, 9:32 am
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Print this story | Email this storyLast Updated: Nov. 04, 2009, 9:32 am
John Marx, jmarx@qconline.com
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His eyes sparkle and his grin grows with every mention. There will be two days of hunting for sure, maybe three. Even the drive -- 10 hours at the least -- is of no concern. Coal Valley's Ben Snart is a gifted vocalist and, like his father, Tim, an avid outdoorsman. Ben has Becker Muscular Dystrophy, and although slowed by the degenerative disease, he refuses to let it get in the way of life. A senior at Moline High School, Ben, 18, is a member of the school's impressive concert choir. The hope, he says, is to some day teach music and maybe voice to middle-or-high-school students. Tim had been looking for a way to give his son a special high school graduation present, something outdoor-related. Then he came across A Hunt Above, a West, Mississippi, hunting and fishing experience for children with handicaps and kids diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. On its Web site at www.ahuntabove.org, A Hunt Above states that it's a ministry with the goal of helping everyone share in the joy of fulfilling a special youngster's dream. "I responded and they got back with me in a hurry,'' Tim said. "They said they would love to give Ben the chance to hunt.'' What is amazing is that "A Hunt Above'' is picking up the tab for the Snarts to make the trip, stay in Mississippi and then provide Ben a place to hunt white tail deer. The trip is slated for Nov. 20-22. "There has been talk of an extra day,'' Ben said. "But that's OK if that doesn't happen. I'm so looking forward to getting the chance to shoot my rifle. The shotgun (and its kick) is just too much for me, but the rifle -- in that setting -- will make it easy for me to shoot. '' Since Ben was 14, he and his father have shared several hunts, with Tim handling the gun work and Ben manning logistical options. Both agree they make a pretty good team. "My dad handles the shooting side of things and we get a chance to share some time,'' Ben said. "This will give me the chance to shoot and see what happens.'' "I'm sure Ben is looking forward to the trip, but I might be more excited,'' Tim said. "It's a great chance for him. I'm touched and grateful there is a place like this and they have welcomed us. I can't wait for Ben to have the chance to hunt there.'' No matter what happens, there is already a "hunting'' story and the Snarts haven't even left. "The story is I'm pretty lucky to get this chance,'' Ben said. "No predictions. I'm just happy to get to go.'' Columnist John Marx can be reached at (309) 757-8388 or Jmarx@qconline.com 
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