Thousands of youth athletes take the field/court and struggle with the risk of injury. More than 3.5 million athletes get hurt per year, which causes loss of participation and stress, according to Hopkinsmedicine.org.
Athletic director Jeff Raucci recognizes the importance of recovery for high school athletes. Raucci explains, “Haley, the athletic trainer, takes care of all the injuries. She’s the one who guides them through rehab and gives the final ‘okay’ when they’re ready to come back.” Haley is a key part of the athletes’ recoveries, ensuring they’re okay and helping them throughout the healing process.
Junior Aidan Giannettino, high school varsity football player, is all too familiar with the risks of the game. Giannettino was diagnosed with a radial meniscus tear and had to get surgery on September 30. His surgery was not severe, and he is only out for 6-8 weeks with physical therapy and can walk on it.
Giannettino cites, “It sucks having to watch my teammates from the sidelines, and I won’t be able to play with the seniors again.”
Despite the setback, Giannettino still shows up and is a part of the team. He is excited to come back at 100% for the next season.
Another Foran High School athlete, junior Anthony Chianca, faced an extreme setback as well. He tore his syndesmosis, which is damage to 2 ligaments that connect to the two lower leg bones, and he fractured his ankle in practice on August 19. He faces some serious struggles and deals with challenges.
Chianca reflects, “Getting injured made me feel down because I can’t play and I can’t walk.”
Injuries like these show the risk young athletes take every time they are on the field. The physical pain can be temporary, but the emotional and mental challenges often linger much longer.
For senior Joe Meade, a varsity basketball player, the mental side of recovery hit the hardest. Meade suffered a broken collarbone on July 1. The injury forced him to miss the entire summer league, leaving him disappointed and frustrated.
Meade says, “The injury made me feel very sad because I wouldn’t be able to play in the summer league.”
Even though Meade was disappointed he couldn’t play in the summer league, he didn’t let it affect his love for the game. He dribbled with one hand, watched film, and showed up to the games to support his teammates.
After a few months, Meade returned to the court on October 2 and was ready to be back.
While injuries can be devastating, through mental and physical strength, players can overcome and come back better than ever. Giannettino, Chianca, and Meade are key examples of this and will return better than before.
