High School Football Coach Blake Crutsinger Hospitalized After 'Freak' Track Meet Injury

A beloved U.S. high school track coach has been hospitalized and placed in the ICU following a "freak accident" during a district meet.

Blake Crutsinger, an assistant coach with the Ponder Independent School District (ISD), was hospitalized following a terrible accident during a Region II-3A state University Interscholastic League meet this month.

The beloved track and field coach was struck in the head by a shot put ball - which can weigh up to 16 pounds - during a "freak accident" at the Texas regional meet. The coach suffered a skull fracture and serious swelling. He has been in the ICU.

Crutsinger's wife, Leslie, shared the devastating news on her Facebook page.

"Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Blake and sending messages today," she wrote.

"Also please pray for the young man from the other school who is taking this accident very hard!" she added.

The coach's wife also thanked the medical team for their quick response. She said it was a game-changer.

"The term 'coaching family' is a real thing!" she posted. "The quick actions of the coaches, trainers, and any medical staff that helped at the school and the quick response of the ambulance was a game changer in Blake's prognosis. 

"The adults and athletes who were there and witnessed what happened were shook to say the least."

The track and field coach also works as a football coach. The Ponder High School coach underwent emergency surgery.

Coach's wife shares the latest plan

The coach has a big scar and will probably be wearing a lot of baseball hats to cover it up - for now.

"For the long term plan, he will be in ICU until he can have the flap put back on. This will be a minimum of 2-4 weeks but could be easily be longer. He will then be transferred to inpatient rehab most likely at Baylor in Dallas," his wife shared.

The school district released a statement, as well.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with Coach Crutsinger and his family during this time," Ponder ISD superintendent Dr. James Hill said in a statement. 

"We are in constant prayer for them and ask that you join us in praying for complete healing and a full recovery."

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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 7:18 AM.