The worries of all athletes’ parents came true for my wife and I Friday night at the Memorial vs. West football game - watching our child get hurt.

It wasn’t the first time for me, as I was present a few years ago when my son, Brandon bulldozed his shoulder into the turf during a school baseball practice, separating his shoulder. But last Friday’s varsity football game at Manchester West High School was the first time my wife has seen our son carried off the field.

“Friendly fire” a soldier might call it in war. Brandon was playing defensive end when a teammate dove for a tackle and struck the side of his knee.

A trip to the orthopedic center today revealed a cracked bone and stretched MCL, as far as the doctor could tell from the x-ray. Next will come the MRI, which will determine just how much other damage was done to his knee.

When the trainer told us Friday night that it was the MCL, I just nodded. I’ve heard that abbreviation before, but had no idea what it meant. Players and parents have used it in conversations, and I wonder if they really know what it means. You can read here to see what it stands for. I’m sure I would get it wrong trying to explain. Back in the “good ole days” we just had arm and leg injuries.

The trainer did a wonderful job taking care of Brandon at the game, and recommending a course of action for treatment. After the MRI, we’ll know more about how long it will be before he can play sports again, but it sounds like this year’s football season is over for him. He’ll continue to walk the sidelines with a leg brace and crutches, cheering on his teammates. I’ve always encouraged him to be a leader, and that he will be, just not in pads for now.

-Bob Hammerstrom

Tags: ACL, Football, game, High School, Injuries, injury, knee, leader, leg, manchester, MCL, Memorial, team, west