A Texas high school track coach is in intensive care after suffering serious injuries in a shot put accident during a regional competition.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Blake Crutsinger, an assistant coach at Ponder High School, was struck in the head over the weekend in Tyler.
He is currently being treated for a skull fracture and brain swelling.
High School Accident Leaves Coach Hospitalized
The incident happened during the Region II-3A University Interscholastic League competition on May 2.
According to reports, Crutsinger underwent surgery on Monday morning to relieve swelling on his brain.
His wife, Leslie, shared an emotional update on Facebook shortly after the accident.
"Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Blake and sending messages today," she wrote. "He was at the Regional track meet and was hit with a shot put around 2pm today. It was a FREAK accident!"
"He is in ICU in Tyler and has a skull fracture and brain swelling. Please pray specific prayers for the swelling to stay down as this is the biggest concern for the first 2-3 days."
She also asked people to keep the athlete involved in their thoughts.
"Please pray for the young man from the other school who is taking this accident very hard," she added.
Wife Shares Hopeful Medical Update as Recovery Continues
Leslie Crutsinger has continued posting daily updates as her husband remains under close medical supervision.
As of Wednesday, May 6, she revealed that recent scans showed no signs of seizure activity, which she described as "great news."
"Today he will have the initial drain on the top of his head removed bc it is now showing normal signs of fluid not excess," she wrote. "He will keep the other drain on the surgery side."
"He will also get an MRI today which is a more complete scan. They haven't been able to do that yet bc it takes an hour and he has to lay flat for an hour. Also the swelling had to go down some for it."
According to World Athletics, the men's shot put in elite competition can weigh up to 7.26kg (16lb), while the women's version can weigh up to 4kg (8.8lb).
The metal shots are commonly made from iron, steel, or brass.
"The size of the shot varies depending on its composition," the governing body states.
