MARYSVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck graduating senior Chris Franklin walked June 11 in spite of a critical injury sustained weeks prior.

The injury was an accidental gunshot wound entering Chris’ spine, just missing a vital artery.

Franklin was in critical condition and was treated at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, but was recently released.

“I saw Chris this morning on his way to graduation rehearsal, he seemed to be in good spirits,” M-P head soccer coach Paul Bartley said June 10. “I’m thankful everything worked out the way it did.”

Franklin did just that.

Not only did he walk for his high school’s graduation June 11 at Comcast Arena, but he also attended prom days before.

Franklin said it may take months for him to feel 100 percent.

“It’s been rough, but it’s something you have to go through,” Franklin said. “So I’ve been toughing it out.”

Though an outstanding soccer player, Franklin was sidelined most of his senior year with a wrist and ankle injury.

“He’s had one injury after another this year,” Bartley said. “He only played in three games.”

Franklin is hopeful to return on the pitch next season, he is planning to play for Everett Community College Bartley said.

“I’ve been working on it every day,” Franklin said. “I’ve just been running.”