Lyons Mirror-Sun
January 17, 2007
David Friedli
That Part of Sport
Trent Grant is doing great.
As easy as it is to write those five simple words, doing so seemed unlikely if not impossible five days ago.
During a high school basketball game, Trent, a feisty young man with a passion for playing every game at a high level of competitiveness, hustled back to defend a fast break.
He gained position and waited for his opponent to attack the basket.
Trent’s preparation and practice skills paid off. The offensive player stopped and prepared to shoot. The man with the ball executed a fake move upward.
Trent took the fake and leaped high above his opponent, who now was crouching, preparing his own leap toward the basket.
What happened next is the type of event that causes a collective gasp from on-lookers. It took the breath from the 700 fans witnessing the game.
Trent’s momentum carried him up and above the offensive player. The shooter continued his movement upward toward the basket.
Trent became hung up on the shooter’s shoulder. His body twisted awkwardly as the offensive man continued his assent.
Trent’s weight shifted and he slipped over the back of the shooter and fell, head-first onto the basketball court.
His body crumpled, his neck bending unnaturally and his lower body flopping to the ground. The collective gasp.
Emergency medical personnel in the stands rushed to Trent’s side. Fans, players and coaches stood and watched, helpless and unbelieving.
Trent had free-fallen from nearly five feet above the floor, directly on the top of his head.
Competitors and fans know the dangers of sport. Most have witnessed injury. Nearly every person in the gym knew this situation was serious. People cried. Some screamed words of encouragement. Some were silent.
Many did the only thing they could do: they prayed.
Rescue personnel arrived quickly, using their training and expertise to stabilize Trent. Those in attendance watched helplessly, hoping for a positive sign.
As EMTs wheeled him out of the gym and toward the hospital emergency room, Trent sent a message. He raised his head slightly. He lifted his right hand to wave.
Seven hundred people responded with applause meant to acknowledge and encourage.
Trent suffered a concussion, but no fractures, no spinal injuries and no significant head trauma. Released from the hospital, he returned to school and anxiously awaits medical clearance to play the sport he loves so dearly.
He has no memory of the events leading up to his hospitalization. For him, that is fortunate.
Those who watched might never watch a sporting event without re-living that night. Most will be amazed Trent is playing basketball again, and doing great.