A LIFE LESS ORDINARY; JOSIAS GALVEZ LIVES FOR LITTLEROCK.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer

Tabbed a miracle child after he survived a usually-fatal birth defect called Apert's syndrome, Josias Galvez was a lucky baby.

But Galvez, 18, feels luckier than ever as student manager of Littlerock High's football team.

``He's our spiritual leader,'' coach Jim Bauer says.

Despite the defect that has permanently reshaped his head, face, jaw, and appendages, Galvez has found his life with the Lobos, and the players have returned his embrace with equal warmth.

``When I was growing up, it was hard to make friends,'' Galvez said during an afternoon practice. ``They all called me names and teased me. That was difficult. Now, the most difficult thing for me is when the team loses, because I feel it too. So I try to pump up the team.''

Galvez has helped motivate the Lobos to a 4-0 record - their best start ever - entering tonight's home matchup against Capistrano Valley.

Cici Galvez, Josias' 28-year-old sister, believes being a part of the team is exactly what Josias needed after a very troubled and often traumatic adolescence.

``Feeling involved and helping the team have done a lot for him,'' Cici said. ``He's so busy. When he's not, he starts thinking too much - about what he is and about where he is in society, and that upsets him. Josias is a happy person, but he needs to keep busy. Thanks to football, he's handled everything quite well.''

Maria Solia Galvez, 49, said she and husband Jose have tried not to treat Josias differently, ``but it's been hard because he is so physically different than his (three) brothers and sister.''

Watching her son develop socially since joining the football team has been Maria's biggest joy.

``The team treats Josias with respect, and they treat him like he's one of them,'' Maria said, crying. ``That has helped a lot, really helped him. All the problems are lessening. The care and affection he's gotten from the coach and the players have helped him the most. I thank coach Bauer because he has taken Josias under his wing.''

Maria, staunchly religious, vividly remembers Josias' infancy, a period that strongly tested her faith.

``Everyone in the hospital told us Josias was going to die,'' Maria said. ``His birth had a huge impact on us. . . . His forehead was very soft at the beginning. It felt like there was no bone.''

Besides the physical deformities, Galvez has been consistently plagued by behavior problems.

``Josias is more mature now,'' Maria said, ``but sometimes he still gets really aggressive and behaves badly because, I think, he gets the feeling of being inferior.''

Since Galvez became team manager - his responsibilities include setting up blocking dummies and cones, making sure there is enough water and handling the equipment - Bauer has noticed his young assistant gain confidence; those feelings of inferiority are lifting.

``Josias is a terrific kid,''Bauer said. ``He's found friends, and he's found people who respect him. I'll tell you one thing: He takes Littlerock football very seriously. It's a big part of his life, and he's real emotional.''

Emotional is also how fellow team manager Kristen Robinson described Galvez.

``Against Hesperia, I noticed Josias starting to cry,'' Robinson said. ``He thought we were about to lose.''

Littlerock 21, Hesperia 9.

``After the game, all the players gathered in the end zone,'' Bauer said. ``As I walked up to them, I suddenly saw someone getting lifted into the air. It was Josias.''

Linebacker Adam Fabela, Galvez's closest friend on the team, said he does not see himself as Galvez's big brother - just his brother.

``He messes around with all of us, including me,'' Fabela said. ``We look out for him, give him cuts in the lunch line, but the truth is, Josias is really smart. He's really cool to talk to.''

Bauer, who often emphasizes the positive issues of football that have nothing to do with wins and losses, said the most important components of his coaching philosophy are teamwork and friendship. Galvez fits in, just like everyone else.

``Josias is part of our family,'' Bauer said. ``Seriously, my only worry is, what's going to happen after the season? Maybe I can figure out some way to keep him around.''

If it was Galvez's choice, the football season would go on.

``The day I graduate, I'll cry,'' he said.

His sister said Josias wants to be a chef. He practices by copying cooking shows on television.

``I admire Josias,'' Cici said. ``He's been very strong. Obviously he's different, but he's learned to cope. People can learn a lot from him because he's a big inspiration. You look at his station in life, and he's proof that anything can be done.''

Galvez's development - as a football manager, as a student, as a young man - has strengthened his family's belief in God. Hope, tolerance and most of all love have blossomed as Galvez has blossomed.

``We've had hard times just like any other family, but we've always treated Josias just like everybody else,'' Maria said. ``We accept our blood and we accept our son.''

Staff Writer Anel Laj contributed to this story.

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--2) Littlerock High football manager Josias Galvez, who survived a near-fatal birth defect, is an inspiration to the team.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News