7 minute read
IN-DEPTH STORY
LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY
Star Quarterback Carsyn Crouch shares about his battle with his ACL tear and surgery, not letting this stop him from playing at the next level.
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BY COLDEN KADLIC Already going 10-0 in the regular season, the Granville Blue Aces Football team was set to take on Bishop Watterson in the first round of the playoffs, a team they had already beaten once 32-10. The Aces were dominating Bishop Watterson with a score of 28-7 just before the half and still had a 2 point conversion to try. The play call came in and it was determined that star quarterback Carsyn Crouch would run the ball and try to get the two points.
Crouch snapped the ball and immediately took off to his left, something he had done hundreds of times; however, this time something felt different for Crouch. Running to his left, he was met by an opposing player almost instantly. Aiming to spin off as he would any other time, he was again hit by another player.
(1) Carsyn poses with Dr. Anderson after surgery. (2) Carsyn works on mobility post-operation. (3) Carsyn does physical therapy. (4) Incision site after surgery. (5) Carsyn poses with NFL star Chris Godwin. (6) Carsyn works on knee strength. (7) Carsyn poses with NFL star Lucas Niang. (9) Incision sight several weeks after surgery. Photo courtesy of Traci Crouch.
This spin move had again been practiced hundreds of times, but this time Crouch felt different. While spinning, the opposing player grabbed Crouch’s ankle and Crouch “felt a pop” which was soon followed by sharp pain in his right leg, forcing him to the ground.
He was unable to walk soon after this incident and was helped off the field by teammates and did not return to play. Crouch later found out in the following week that he had torn his ACL and would likely be out for the season.
He did not want to end his senior season like this, however, and decided to play an additional three games with a torn ACL and multiple other ligament sprains. Soon after the historic season, Crouch traveled to Florida to have his surgery performed by one of the nation’s best.
“It was a hard decision to make, but I wanted to end the season on the field with my brothers, regardless of my knee,” Crouch said.
After the season, Crouch's parents decided to travel to Florida for his surgery. "I was okay with it because Dr. Anderson does surgeries for professional athletes all the time," he said. In Florida, Crouch was able to meet many NFL stars including Buccaneers star wide receiver Chris Godwin who was also there for an ACL repair surgery.
“Recovery has not been easy. For almost one week after the surgery I was stuck in bed and unable to walk,” Crouch said. Compared to the typical ACL reconstruction surgery, Crouch had the completely invasive version, which is a lot harder on the body. Following that week, Crouch has been on a rigorous physical therapy session to ensure that his knee is ready to play at the next level. On top of this, he has been working out every day with fitness enthusiast and entrepreneur Cory Gregory.
For Crouch, the most vital part of his recovery has been being able to see his friends because “they have helped the most.” His friends have provided a way to take his mind off his knee and his recovery.
The hardest part for Crouch was the fact that his senior basketball season was taken away from him. This is arguably his best sport. “It was hard realizing that I was done playing basketball forever, but I’m excited to play football at the next level,” Crouch said.
Crouch is planning to attend Lindsey Wilson College, an NAIA school that went 12-0 last year. “I loved the campus and the environment, and obviously I want to play for a great team,” Crouch said.
“I’m working as hard as I can to get back to 100%, but I see it taking around another 3 months,” Crouch said. “Every day I just stay positive and keep grinding.”
(1) Carsyn does physical therapy. (2) Carsyn visits the beach in Florida after surgery. (3) Carsyn poses with Chris Godwin. (4)Granville football team celebrates regional final win for the first time in school history. Photo Courtesy of Traci Crouch
Artwork by Sophia Crestale
MORE THAN PHYSICAL
BY ALYSHA WALLACE
It’s the second half in a huge rivalry game against Watkins Memorial High School. Junior Kira Fuller goes to take a step and finds her foot in a ditch. All of her momentum goes onto her leg and she twists and falls. POP! Right away, she knows what she did. Fuller has just torn her ACL and is meeting the end of her junior soccer season. With a long recovery process ahead, she won’t be able to take the field for the next year, if not longer.
For some student-athletes, the psychological response to injury can trigger or unmask serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating and substance use or abuse.
“Each student can act differently following injury,” athletic trainer Steve Rose said.
When a student-athlete is injured, there is a normal emotional reaction that includes processing the medical information about the injury provided by the medical team, as well as coping emotionally with the injury. “Frustration, disappointment, anger, self-pity are some symptoms seen in the training room,” said Rose.
According to NCAA Advocate Margot Putukian, other emotional responses include sadness, isolation, irritation, lack of motivation, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances and disengagement.
Many student athletes experience some form of an emotional response to their injury, which was a concern for Fuller.
“I started to feel very disconnected from everything. Not just being active but friends and school, too,” Fuller said.
Another problematic response to injury is depression, which magnifies other responses and can also impact recovery.
“You hate to see motivation drop after an injury, but it is also understandable,” strength and conditioning coach Dylan Leffingwell said. “Sitting out and watching games is not enjoyable. Unless you come with the right attitude. Ask 'what can I do?' instead of just focusing on all the things you can’t do.”
When student-athletes sustain significant injuries, such as knee injuries associated with time loss from sport, they can suffer both physically as well as emotionally with a decrease in their quality of life.
“Following recovery it won’t all come back right off the bat but, be as ready as possible physically and mentally when you do,” Leffingwell said.
It’s also important for coaches, athletic trainers and team physicians to support injured student-athletes and do what they can to keep athletes involved and part of the team. “Watch film, meet with coaches about the next opponent, learn your craft even more than you thought beforehand,” Leffingwell said.
With the deaths of several student athletes this past year, the NCAA is under pressure to fix the issue. Katie Meyer, Stanford women’s soccer goalkeeper, passed away on Mar. 1. Sarah Shulze, University of Wisconsin track and field star, passed away 13 Apr. 13. Lauren Bernett, James Madison University softball player, passed away on Apr. 25. Along with many other student athlete deaths, these were all ruled deaths by suicide.
There are many other ways to seek treatment. Find the people that you trust and reach out to them.
According to physical therapist Kristin Beigel, if a student athlete is feeling the effects of their injury, they should “talk. Reach out. To friends, family, coaches, your physical therapist, or a professional. Athletes are surrounded by more people than most and should never be afraid to reach out to a friend for a little reassurance to get their mind set back to achieving their goals.”
