BANGOR – Jason Cross prefers to do things on his own terms.

That helps explain why during training camp the Husson College senior slept in the Newman Gymnasium complex parking lot – in the back of his pickup truck – rather than in the dormitory.

It also provides some insight into how the determined offensive guard from Hampden has beaten the odds and worked his way back from a devastating knee injury suffered during a game last September.

“It was just a freak thing that happened,” said Cross, who will never forget laying on the field contemplating his future.

“I was having such a good season,” said the former Hampden Academy star. “I was like, there goes the season, possibly my career. I was really mad.”

The damage was extensive. An MRI showed Cross had sustained torn anterior cruciate, medial collateral and posterior cruciate ligaments, along with meniscus and patella tears.

“Dr. [Thompson] McGuire was just shaking his head,” Cross said, “‘[telling me] I had no idea it was this bad. You tore just about everything.'”

Barely 11 months later, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound, fourth-year starter’s knee was fully healed and ready for Husson’s Friday night opener against Pace.

“A lot of people, including my doctor, said that I wouldn’t be playing this year, if playing at all,” said Cross, whose return will have to wait at least another week after he dislocated the big toe on his right foot during an Aug. 23 practice.

Nobody is more pleased at Cross’ triumphant return than Eagles head coach Gabby Price.

“It really was a terrible injury,” he said, but “Jason has a great resolve and a love for all things in life. He showed tremendous doggedness and determination.”

It has been a difficult road to recovery for Cross, who underwent three surgeries. Two were planned to repair the knee.

The first fixed the MCL and meniscus, but he developed an infection that required him to be cut open, allowing the wound to drain, which slowed the process significantly.

The second surgery was an ACL/PCL reconstruction that involved the implantation of donor Achilles’ and foot tendons.

“He’s very caring and, obviously, very tough,” Price said. “He doesn’t seem to have much fear of anything.”

Cross knew he faced a long rehabilitation, but he longed to get back on the field.

“We never talked about playing football,” Cross said of appointments with Dr. McGuire. “I was thinking, all right, we’ll see how quick I can come back and see if I can play this year.”

Cross knew all along knee injuries were fairly common among linemen. Now, he realized he might never play again.

There was the possibility he could take it easy with his rehab, sit out the 2007 season and come back next year rested and strong.

But the camaraderie and commitment Cross shared with his teammates was too strong. He had to get back to play with his friends, like fellow senior linemen Louis Avant, David Brown, Matt Benson and Jon Benson.

“I do it because I love it and these are my brothers, my friends, my family,” Cross said. “It’s worth the risk [of reinjuring the knee].”

Cross had spent months in a wheelchair or on crutches. He prematurely began putting weight on the leg and was testing the limits of the rebuilt knee during his rehabilitation.

“I was really pushing my recovery times,” he admitted.

He took to heart a philosophy his grandfather, Arthur Cross, shared with him a long time ago.

“He said, ‘all you can do is try your hardest. Not everybody has incredible talents, but everybody can try,'” Jason said. “I don’t know the word slow, or taking it easy.”

Having trusted Dr. McGuire and his own body’s ability to heal quickly, and with his knee well on the way to full recovery, Cross spent two months this summer doing an internship with Maine High Adventure. He guided canoe trips in northern Maine for Boy Scouts from across the country and around the world.

“Canoeing is one of my loves in life,” Cross said. “We take all these kids out and we teach them all these raw skills: how to camp, cook, clean and to canoe through the Maine woods. It taught me a lot about leadership skills.”

Nearly two weeks into training camp, Cross had tested the knee enough to know he was physically ready to play.

“I want to be a part of what’s going to happen this year,” he said.

“Jason is extremely loyal. He loves being part of the team,” Price said. “He thinks life should be enjoyed and respected.”

When football is over and Cross earns his degree in sports management, he hopes to own his own business.

“I like to be in charge,” he said.