Vernon Bush rose from his chair, navigated some tables and strode with purpose to the Signature Grand stage on Wednesday morning.

The ovation, which grew with each stride, was for something much more significant than any race the Hallandale sprint star has won.

Bush was given the Leo Suarez/Walter Krietsch Courage Award at The Miami Herald's All-Broward Athletic Awards Breakfast for his inspirational return to the state track finals after sustaining a near-fatal car accident last September.

That Bush was even able to compete this season, much less advance to the state finals after finishing second in the District meet and fourth in the Regionals in the 100 meters, is a testament to his determination.

Bush was left with four broken ribs, a fractured vertebrae and a bruised shoulder after his car skidded and hit a pole on the drive to school with passenger and teammate Marquise Jackson.

''As I hit the brakes at the red light my car hydroplaned,'' Bush said. ``I hit a pole, and another car hit me from behind. They said they had to cut me out the car. I was in and out of consciousness.''

Having missed all but one game of the football season, the prospects of Bush recovering in time for track, was slim, at best. Still unable to walk on his own after two-plus weeks in the hospital, Bush returned to school with the use of a wheelchair.

''There was no way we thought Vernon would be back,'' Chargers track coach John Battle said. ``His ribs hurt so much he flinched. Miraculously he said he would be ready. It was just a lot of will. This was his senior year. He really just wanted to compete.''

Despite the setback, Bush said he has not given up on his dream to play running back for the University of South Florida. Bush said he will be running summer track to prove he has regained his quickness and will be willing to walk on at USF, if that is what it will take to play.

''I want them to know I'm running a 10.5 off my natural speed,'' Bush said. ``If I start lifting weights I know I can run a 10.2. It feels good to know I made it back from the accident and I am one of the fastest guys in the county again.''

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