Injuries in sports are inevitable, ranging from rug burns, blisters, sore legs, sprained ankles, bumps, and bruises. With athletes’ bodies constantly going through many movements and changes, playing a sport puts much strain on them and creates a high risk for injury.

Since the winter sports season is roughly halfway through, many athletes have endured numerous injuries. Strictly looking at the varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, there have already been over five injuries. 

   Junior point guard Layne Sleight suffered an ankle injury for most of her fall volleyball season. Still, she eventually was cleared by a doctor and received permission to play varsity basketball. During a tough conference match against Harper Creek, she rotated her ankle backward after guarding an aggressive player resulting in a second ankle injury. 

   “In basketball, it is very common to roll your ankle, so I have definitely done that a bunch, but still, nothing has had me sit out this long as this has,” said Sleight. 

Sports injuries have not only affected the female athletes but also the male varsity programs.

   After injuring his right wrist playing football in the fall, Junior JR Morrow has recently recovered and is looking forward to his involvement. Learning to play with his left hand and not rely on his right has been a challenge.

   “My injury has taught me to be more patient and less aggressive while trying to be more of a facilitator. I find myself now focusing more on my teammate’s success,” said Morrow.

   Both Morrow and Sleight believe that the team’s flow was affected by their injuries. With practices beginning and teams becoming more comfortable, an injury can force them to start from square one all over again. 

  Once one injury happens, it seems to have a domino effect. With each coming season, more athletes are found sitting on the end of a bench and limited to only cheering.