Coleman Richards, a two year varsity player for the St. John Vianney soccer team, suffered a broken shin during the game against Manasquan on September 12. In the first half with just 10 minutes left, the defender on St. John Vianney played the ball back to Coleman. As Coleman tried to kick the ball back out, the striker on the other team got past the defender and went for the ball. As the striker tried kicking the ball, he accidently kicked Coleman’s leg instead.

Coleman described the pain as the most excruciating experience in his life. When I asked him how painful it was he answered, “On a scale from one to 10, the pain was an 11.” Coleman was taken directly to the hospital after the incident. The surgery took place immediately when he got to the emergency room. The surgery took one hour and he was in the hospital for one and a half hours. The surgery consisted of inserting two screws and a titanium rod in Coleman’s leg.

The recovery time for Coleman’s injury was expected to be about six weeks when he the injury first occurred. Coleman will likely be able to play again on October 24.  “I’m just excited to get off these crutches and start playing again” said Coleman. Coleman participated in a limited practice on October 1 .