A track and football coach with Ponder Independent School District remains in critical condition after being struck by a shot put during a regional track and field meet over the weekend in Tyler, Texas.
Coach Blake Crutsinger was injured Saturday afternoon in what his family described as a “freak accident.” According to a social media post from his wife, Leslie Crutsinger, the incident occurred around 2 p.m.
“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.
“Also please pray for the young man from the other school who is taking this accident very hard!”
District officials confirmed the coach was seriously injured during the meet and remains hospitalized. Crutsinger, who also serves as an assistant football coach, joined the district this school year after previously working at another North Texas school.
In a statement shared on social media, the district called on the community for support.
“Lion Nation, Please join us in lifting up Coach Crutsinger and his family in your thoughts and prayers following an accident at the Regional Track Meet. We stand together in support during this time!”
Superintendent James Hill also expressed support for the family, saying, “Our hearts and thoughts are with Coach Crutsinger and his family during this time. We are in constant prayer for them and ask that you join us in praying for complete healing and a full recovery.”
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the local community, with students, staff, and residents rallying around the coach and his family as he continues to receive treatment.
Leslie Crutsinger provided an update on her husband’s condition on Monday evening, noting on social media that surgeons removed a portion of his skull earlier that day to relieve the pressure from the swelling. He is expected to be in the ICU for a minimum of two to four weeks before transferring to inpatient rehab.
