The Montana State University Billings cross country teams did not compete in the Whitman Open in Washington this weekend, following a single-vehicle crash that injured six team members en route to the event Friday night.
According to an announcement on the MSUB athletics website, several members of the team were treated for their injuries and released from Spokane-area hospitals. "Out of respect for the injured teammates, it was decided the Yellowjackets would not compete," the athletic department stated.
"We are shaken by this incident and feel extremely grateful that all of our student-athletes and coaches are still with us," said MSU Billings athletic director Michael Bazemore. "We are thankful for the medical response and physicians that treated our student-athletes. As we move forward, we focus our attention on the continued care and healing for our student-athletes and coaching staff."
As reported by CBS affiliate KTVQ in Billings, all injuries were reported to be non-fatal, though one athlete underwent surgery.About 20 athletes were traveling in three university vans to Walla Walla, Wash., at the time of the crash.
The Yellowjackets are scheduled to host a crosstown meet Friday at Amend Park in Billings, but KTVQ reported Sunday that Bazemore said it’s unclear whether that event will move forward.
