Bulldog wrestlers surprise injured teammate with gift
The MFL MarMac high school wrestlers surprised injured teammate Collin Henkels (center) with a gift before Christmas. Pictured with Henkels are (kneeling, left to right) Ethan Stubbs, Caleb Nordheim, Nathan Johanningmeier, Austin Nickolai, Andrew Heins; (back) Hunter Miller, Zach Trudo, Michael Egan, Garret Keehner, Gabe McGeough, Max Havlicek, Korby Keehner, Jacob Trudo, Zach Howe, Dylan Corlett, Jack Vorwald and Kashton Mathis. (Submitted photo)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
The wrestling season didn’t get off to the best start for Collin Henkels. On the opening night of practice, the freshman broke his leg.
“It was a freak accident,” said head coach Chet Bachman. “He just landed wrong.”
The wrestling coaches, as well as some of the girls basketball coaches who were at practice nearby, rushed to help while Bachman called 911.
“It kind of scared the kids in the wrestling room,” he noted.
Henkels ended up hospitalized and missed two weeks of school. He’s now getting around on crutches.
His teammates, saddened by the painful and abrupt ending to his season, wanted to do something to raise Henkels’ spirits. Last week, they presented him with an early Christmas gift of a new shirt, wrestling shoes and socks.
“They were worried about his socks because [the EMTs] had to cut them off,” Bachman shared.
He said this gesture wasn’t prompted by the coaches, but completely player-driven.
“They pitched in all their own money and did it on their own,” he said.
Bachman is proud of the kindness they showed.
“It shows they have a good bond,” he stated. “And it’s fitting right before the holidays.”
