Liberty Players Injured

[Kevin OBrien]

here's another article

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/i ... 123720.xml

[CSUalum32]

Liberty,
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those from Liberty lax, thier family and friends. Be strong as i will be hoping and praying that all involed make it through these though times. You have my prayers.

[Sonny]

Liberty University: 6 still hospitalized after crash involving lacrosse players

By Hattie Brown
The Roanoke Times

Several members of the Liberty University Club Lacrosse Team remained hospitalized Tuesday after the van they were riding in hit a tractor-trailer in Alabama on Monday afternoon.

Three students, a coach and the coach's two sons were still in Mobile, Ala.-area hospitals, according to a news release from Liberty University. As of Tuesday afternoon, one student was in critical condition, one was in serious condition awaiting surgery, and another student was in fair condition after undergoing surgery, the news release said. The coach and his sons were in stable condition.

However, the spokesman for the city of Prichard, Ala., where the wreck occurred, reported Tuesday afternoon that only two students, a coach and his tw
o sons remained hospitalized. Chad Gurney, 23, and Ryan Leaming, 21, were still at the University of South Alabama Medical Center, said Harry McGadney, Prichard spokesman.

The hospital listed Gurney in critical but stable condition and Leaming in fair condition, clinical administrator Lori Atwell said.

Lacrosse coach John Westfall and his twin 8-year-old sons, Jackson and Jeremiah, were in stable condition at Springhill Medical Center, Westfall said by phone Tuesday afternoon. Westfall said he suffered "bumps and bruises" and remembers nothing about the wreck. He said he expects to be released in a few days.

"We take one day at a time," Westfall said.

LINK:
http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke%5C20241.html

[xachie]

On behalf of the officials who service the SELC, we all wish the Liberty team, Coach Westfall and Jackson and Jeremiah the quickest and most complete recovery from this accident. I have not spoken with an official yet who has not been taken aback in regard to this. Pete Almasy, another official sent the following email to most of the officials group in NC who have officiated a Liberty contest. The Liberty family is in our thoughts and our prayers throughout their recovery.

From Pete Almasy:
I may be behind on this, but I was just reading about the accident this
past Monday. The van John Westfall was driving was in a serious accident in Alabama. Several players including JOhn and his twin boys were sent to the hospital. I think two players and one of John's sons remain hospitalized at this time. Info can be found at:

http://forums.uslia.com/viewtopic.php?t=911

I know many of you have officiated up there and know John's enthusiasm for the game. Please keep them all in your prayers

Pete

Rick Wooten
SELC asst assignor for NC and VA

[Gregg Pathiakis]

THis isn't meant to take away the thoughts and prayers in this case, but a captain for the Framingham State Rams (PCLL B) died this past week in Florida. More details will be coming as soon as I get them. I was originally told minutes after regaining consciousness after surgery so I don't remember it all.

[moonpie]

I did not make the road trip as it was my daughters birthday. I totally feel like crap!

Coach don't feel bad, God had a reason for you not being there!

[LaxLuthor]

THis isn't meant to take away the thoughts and prayers in this case, but a captain for the Framingham State Rams (PCLL B) died this past week in Florida. More details will be coming as soon as I get them. I was originally told minutes after regaining consciousness after surgery so I don't remember it all.

The Lord works in mysterious ways and I fully believe everything happens for a reason. I have no doubt the Rams player was needed by the Lord to serve another purpose. And also that the Liberty accident also served purpose, one greater of course, but at minimum illustrates the brotherhood here, the brotherhood and commradry (sp?) of mankind. Rivalries and scores aside, it is wonderful to see our lax "family" unite in time of need.

[Lom]

Hey everyone,
This is Jason Lombardozzi. I was one of the players in the van hit by the semi. I was just recently released from the hostpital. I received treatement for open compound fracture to my left leg. I broke both bones and I also received a good bit of road rash and I am one big bruise right now.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers! My season is done for this year, but I hope to be back and ready for next year.

Thank you!

[Sonny]

First I just want to thank everyone from the league and the SELC for their messages of hope and encouragement. We owe you a great deal of thanks.

Second: I'm thankful the fact that our Team has pulled through this terrible disaster and our future is still as bright as it was before the accident. I'm thankful that God watched over us and took care of us through our time of need.

LU Lacrosse will compete with it's regular schedule the end of March starting with it's contest against Soutrhern Virginia. We will have almost our whole Team in uniform to play in that game and we will take our season one step at a time till the end.

Thanks to the SELC and the USL MDIA for all your help and your kind words.

God Bless,

John Westfall
Head Lacrosse Coach-Liberty University

Romans 8:31

[beckner11]

Very bright news to hear that they are all pulling through! A team brought together that closely is a team that I admire very much and would not want to face! Good luck in all your recoveries and the rest of your season.

Be safe out there, everyone!