Courtesy of Webster Parish Journal Staff

 

A seventh grade student from Glenbrook School in Minden was released from the hospital Wednesday morning following minor injuries that occurred during a junior high football game at Cedar Creek in Ruston Tuesday night.

With 6:40 to play in the fourth quarter and Creek leading 6-0, Kenyunitae “Tae” Morris was tackled near the sidelines and driven out of bounds. According to Glenbrook Athletic Director James Thurman impact with Cedar Creek players caused them to roll and Morris struck a concrete apron with his back and head.

“For a tense period, he was unresponsive and there were concerns about his ability to feel or move from the chest down,” Thurmon said in a statement. “In response, the decision was made to airlift him to Shreveport for treatment at the LSU Heath trauma unit.”

A City of Ruston ambulance reportedly arrived on the scene around six to eight minutes after the play and the ballgame remained unfinished.

After boarding the helicopter, the injured player reportedly showed encouraging signs by moving his feet and responding verbally and by the time the helicopter lifted off, he was able to talk and Thurman said he placed a call to his father who was out of town for work.

“This was a huge relief to everyone involved,” Thurman said.

The Glenbrook community, along with other schools in the area, united in prayer for Morris. Thurman said he received an outpouring of support from local schools, including Cedar Creek, sending their well wishes for the student.

“We are excited and relieved that Tae is doing better and expected to fully heal,” said Cedar Creek junior high head football coach Jacob Angevine. “God isn’t done with that young man yet and he is going to do great things in his life. His story is going to be a testament to the power of prayer. The Cedar Creek family continues to pray for his recovery, his family, teammates, and coaches.”

In a Facebook post shared Tuesday night, Thurman expressed his gratitude and shared the positive news that Tae’s CT scans were clear, and he escaped without serious injury.

“Whenever you hear of a child being flown somewhere after an injury, it really puts things into perspective,” he said. “This is not just an athlete who suffered an injury in a football game, it’s somebody’s child… it’s our child. And you just pray that he’s going to be ok.”

Tae’s recovery has been a huge relief to all who know him, and the Glenbrook and Cedar Creek communities continue to offer prayers and support for his full healing.

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