Playing at their own risk CAUTION:

Injuries sure to hold power over student athletes by

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Varsity track and cross-country runner Charlie Hall (‘23) is a great example of perseverance and patience. Not only did Hall tear his Achilles tendon during a race in 2021, but he also fractured his rib in an accident in 2022–both of which affected his spring running seasons.

For each injury, Hall was out for two and a half months, leaving him unable to compete in regional or state qualifier meets for track.

“It was hard mentally because I wanted to train more to get better coming into senior year and I was going stir-crazy,” he said.

It is especially hard to be injured when you’re a team player like Hall.

Having to watch the races from the sidelines and knowing there was a possibility that he could’ve won some of those races to help his team earn points had Hall yearning to get back on the track.

“The road to recovery was a long, patient process,” he said. “I was afraid that I would have more issues come up and that I wouldn’t ever be as good as I once was, but once I saw progress I became very confident in my skills and much happier.”

Despite having torn his Achilles, Hall believes that cross country has adequate medical precautions and staff in place, with trainers all around the courses if someone were to pass out or hurt themselves, yet, he’s not sure that track takes the same precautions.

Another inspiring athlete whose injury knocked her off the court is varsity volleyball player Morgan Huor (‘23).

Huor managed to completely rupture the ACL in her left knee during drills one day.

“I jumped for a ball and came down on my left leg, causing it to give out, and when I came down on it is when I tore it,” she said.

She was unable to participate her entire playing season, leaving her distraught.

“It had a big effect on me mentally,” she explained. “Ever since I was a freshman, I dreamed of playing on this team my senior year, having a senior night, and winning region for what I believe would’ve been the eighth year in a row. I wanted to be able to play our rival game against Fort Mill and have all these fun memories that I could’ve made, but since I got hurt right before we could even start our season, I felt that the injury was just meant to happen.”

Being able to come out of a heart-wrenching situation such as hers with a healthy mentality of faith that this was the path meant for her shows Huor’s moxie.

The ability to avoid dwelling on the negative is a strength athletes must develop, even when they are down and out.

“The hardest part was being unable to play in our big games,” Huor said. “It was really hard watching through a screen for the Wando Tournament especially. I really wish I could’ve been there and supported my team in person.”

Although Huor reported that an accurate diagnosis was difficult on the scene in her situation, she believes that NFHS has good protocols for sports injuries.

“The protocols for other sports injuries I have seen are quick and efficient, and I’m very grateful for our athletic trainers,” she said.

Sara Pipa

It’s not only our seniors who are affected by sustaining an injury that prohibits the athlete from playing.

Varsity wide receiver Josh Ameo (‘25) can attest to the fact that it was just as difficult mentally as it is physically to be unable to play during part of his sophomore year.

“I had a hip pointer, and I was unable to participate for two and a half weeks,” he said.

During his absence, the Falcons lost two games in a row, and Ameo says that the wide receivers missed his leadership on the field.

These losses encouraged him to try to practice while still injured, but he said that it hurt too bad to continue.

Following his injury, Ameo began to take his games more seriously.

“I didn’t have as many games as the other kids, so I had to do my best. My first game back I had three touchdowns, and it was very exciting because I was waiting for that moment,” he said.

Like Hall, Ameo believes there is an adequate amount of experienced staff to assist anyone at any time for any reason. He said this includes teacher cadets, Sports Med 3 students, and athletic trainers.

Another varsity football player, Jason Baxter (‘24), suffered an injury that prohibited him from playing during his fall season. Baxter sprained his ankle and was out of playing for about 2-3 weeks.

“I hadn’t played in the jamboree we had, and I’m the center, so I’m in control of the whole ‘O-line,’ and it wasn’t going too well with me out,” he said.

The experience had a big impact on him because it was the first injury he’d suffered that he genuinely couldn’t walk on.

He says the hardest part was enduring the pain while playing/practicing on his ankle.

Baxter agrees that there’s sufficient arrangements and staff in the case of an injury.

He made sure to mention that along with athletic trainers, experience is a huge factor regarding safety in sports.

“Football isn’t an easy sport that you can just come out and play–you have to know what you’re doing or you could get hurt easily,” he said.