Injuries have always been a part of the game. For someone to go throughout their four years of college football without an injury would be the equivalent to someone picking all four teams in last year’s NCAA basketball final four. It just doesn’t happen.
Some injuries may cause an athlete to miss a play, series, game, season, or career. I’ve seen plenty of them and have had my fair share (knocking on wood). It’s funny how you don’t realize how much you appreciate the simple act of walking or running until you pull a hamstring; or being able to dress yourself once you tear a muscle in your shoulder.
It is true, football is just a game. There is much more to life than what is played between those thin white lines. However, it is funny how much you can take from such a violent game.
For instance, on Friday, September 22, Travis Hearn, a Rock Island High School junior running back suffered a serious spinal cord injury. He is now paralyzed from the shoulders down. Travis may never be able to walk or use his arms again, which makes a pulled hamstring seem like a paper cut.
Many rival high school teams throughout the area have collected thousands of dollars to be put towards his recovery. The Rock Island Rocks have come together as a team and more importantly, as a family. Vic Boblett, the head coach of the Rock Island High School football team stated, “It’s one of the neat things about football; it’s truly a family. You don’t realize how much of a family it is until you go through something like this.†in the wake of the injury.
This game means so much to so many people. Football has its many ups and downs, but throughout those trials and tribulations you really get to know the people surrounding you who share the same passion for the game. It’s a bond you don’t find too often. Then again, when something like this happens you realize how many things you take for granted.
Here at Augustana College we have started a fundraiser for Travis Hearn and the football team alone has raised nearly $1,200. If anyone would like to contribute we would greatly appreciate it, and so would Travis.
Contributions may be sent to any branch of THE National Bank, with checks made payable to: “Travis Hearn Fundâ€. One hundred percent of all funds collected will go toward the payment of medical care and related expenses incurred by Travis Hearn arising from this tragic accident.
The National Bank
1800 5th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 752-9251
d3football.com,
Class act man, you are doing a good thing by helping that young man. I live just on the other side of the Mississippi River (5 minutes away) and went to college at Augustana in Rock Island.
That kid’s terrible injury has the whole Quad City community trying to help. People are helping, and that is good, but the expenses his family will have to deal with in the future will be staggering. Travis does not come from wealth, and his family will be dealing with a great financial burden.
To the visitors to this website,
Just imagine if that young man was your son, your brother or a member of your team. Imagine the fear and saddness, not to mention the costly road to recovery and adjustment. You would feel so greatful to get a financial gift from people who care.
A few dollars from you to them could make a real difference in the life of Travis and his family. He needs our help, and I think each of us can afford to send a few dollars. If you don’t have a few dollars to send, then God bless you.
Please give. Take care.
J.J.,
Thanks for writing about this and I hope our readers take this to heart.
Agreed.
Not to take the focus from Travis, either, but we in Division III have had a similar injury occur with a player, Julio Fuentes, from Alfred University.
Those of us fortunate enough to play this game and come through unscathed could thank the game in a really powerful way by remembering the few unfortunate ones.
Please don’t let this detract from the Rock Island efforts, but if you are inspired to learn more about Julio and perhaps give twice, his information can be found on Post Patterns’ significant injuries thread.
(http://www.d3sports.com/post/index.php?topic=4110.msg584476#new)
Well said Keith. Give twice and feel twice as good.
Two young men have had their lives changed forever. Let’s do what we can to make that adjustment as smooth as possible.
LET’S DO IT!
We had a similar incident here in Vermont last year. I believe it was a kid from Brattleboro who was paralyzed from I believe the neck down. The community, and the entire state got involved to help raise money for the family’s medical bills. I urge everyone to help Travis in anyway they possibly can.
Fells
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