Feb 25, 2008 10:58 am US/Central
Wrestler Recovering After Bus Crash
COTTONWOOD, Minn. (WCCO) ―
-
-
Derek Varpness lost his spleen, has broken ribs, a bruised lung and a severed kidney. (File)
Marshall Independent, Photo From Rae Kruger
Three students remain hospitalized after a school bus crash in Cottonwood, Minn. last week. Among them is a young wrestler who is enduring painful injuries, but also a wealth of support.
On the Tuesday before his most important wrestling meet yet, Derek Varpness didn't show up for practice. His aunt contacted Marshall High School wrestling coach Cal Jeremiason to see why.
"We ran down to check the locker room to make sure he wasn't there," said Jeremiason. "At that point we had put two and two together."
Varpness, a student from Lakeview who wrestled for the Marshall Tigers, was riding the bus when it was hit by a van on Tuesday. His teammates got the message shortly thereafter.
"I guess we could've quit practicing, because nobody had anything left," said Jeremiason.
Varpness was rushed to a Sioux Falls hospital and has been there ever since. He lost his spleen, has broken ribs, a bruised lung and a severed kidney.
Wrestlers at an elementary meet signed a giant get well card for the wrestler they look up to.
Seventh grade wrestler Isac Evenson said it was difficult "knowing that he was in the hospital having to get surgeries."
The Marshall Tigers wore shirts honoring their hospitalized teammate, who had a 22-8 record leading up to the recent meet, as they competed without him.
"The kids came out to compete. They stepped it up. They did this for Derek," said Jeremiason.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
