A North Texas coach is in ICU after a shot put accident at a track meet, leading to severe injuries. His wife and community rally for his recovery.
TYLER, Texas — A North Texas coach is in a Tyler ICU after being struck by a shot put during a track meet held at Whitehouse High School this past weekend.
Ponder ISD assistant coach Blake Crutsinger was hit by the shot put Saturday afternoon in a “freak accident,” causing a skull fracture and brain swelling, according to a Facebook post from Blake Crutsinger’s wife, Leslie Crutsinger.
The incident occurred while schools were competing at the Regional Conference 3A Region II Track Meet held at Whitehouse High School. The event is hosted by the UIL.
Leslie Crutsinger has been sharing updates on Facebook, asking for prayers, including prayers for the swelling to remain under control. Leslie Crutsinger also asked for prayers for the student-athlete from another school who is taking the accident hard.
Leslie Crutsinger thanked the “coaching family,” including coaches, trainers, athletes, and others who came together to help Blake Crutsinger when the accident occurred, calling their help a “game changer” in Blake Crutsinger’s prognosis.
“The adults and athletes who were there and witnessed what happened were shaken, to say the least. The prayers from everyone at the meet and across the state mean more than anyone will ever know,” Leslie Crutsinger wrote.
In the most recent update around 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, Leslie Crutsinger said that swelling in Blake Crutsinger’s face and left eye had gone down. Blake Crutsinger will have an MRI and will have reduced propofol sedation to begin waking up enough to breathe independently. The goal is to remove a tube that’s meant for short-term use.
Ponder ISD shared on Facebook that the district is lifting up Blake Crutsinger and the Crutsinger family in prayer following the accident.
“We stand together in support during this time! #FAM1LY #MadeForGreatness,” the district posted on Facebook.