On Thursday, January 31, 2008, McDaniel student Jared Lutz was critically injured during a pole vaulting practice and was rushed to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
Since then, a semester and a summer break have passed here on campus, and the posters requesting prayers for his recovery have frayed and faded. But thoughts and memories of Lutz, who would have been a junior this year, remain in the hearts of upperclassmen, friends and teammates as he
continues his struggle to get better.
“Coach Estes, our field event coach, has kept a vigil where he visits with Jared at least twice a week,” said Coach Doug Renner. “Jared and family remain in our thoughts and prayers.”
Several members of the Athletic Department have kept in contact with the Lutz family.
Lutz was moved to the Western Maryland Hospital Center in Hagerstown, MD, on August 6, 2008, where he is currently still in rehab and is able to have visitors.
According to online journal entries kept on a site called Caring Bridge ( http://caringbridge.org/visit/jaredlutz ), Lutz is recovering slowly, but it is possible that he will never fully recover. The online journal, which is updated daily, notes that over the summer, Lutz suffered seizures, now controlled through medication. He is dealing with the repercussions of two bruises on his brain.
Lutz has not regained most of his speaking ability and listening comprehension.
Though he is still on the feeding tube, Lutz remains free of infection and gains weight and strength each day. Additionally, Lutz sees several therapists for speech and physical recuperation.
The family has agreed to an interview with a Free Press staff member, which will be published in a later issue.
– Ashleigh Smith