A North Texas high school coach remained in the Intensive Care Unit as of Tuesday, three days after a being struck in the head by a shot put in what is being called a "freak accident" at a weekend track meet.
Blake Crustinger, a track coach and assistant football coach for Ponder Independent School District (ISD), was transported from a regional track meet in Tyler to a nearby hospital. As reported Tuesday by the Houston Chronicle, citing a Facebook post from his wife, Leslie, Crustinger underwent surgery Monday morning to reduce swelling in his brain and remained in the ICU overnight. On Sunday, Leslie shared a photo on Facebook showing hundreds of track meet participants and spectators huddled in prayer for her husband's safety.
"I want to thank everyone who was at the track meet and jumped into action to help Blake," Leslie Crustinger wrote. "The term 'coaching family' is a real thing! 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 prayers from everyone at the meet and across the state mean more than anyone will ever know!"
Leslie added that individuals "please pray for the young man from the other school who is taking this accident very hard," referencing the thrower of the shot put that struck Blake in the head.
"It wasa a FREAK accident!" she said, as reported by CBS News, which added that Crustinger was sedated and on a ventilator in the hopes brain swelling could be reduced enough to replace a piece of Crustinger's skull that had been removed during surgery.
AB Today could not find any further updates on Crustinger's condition.
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Tara Allred, the chief academic officer of Ponder ISD, made a joint statement with Leslie on GoFundMe to support Blake's recovery, as reported by Michael Shapiro of the Chronicle.
"Our friend, a humble and dedicated coach and teacher at Ponder ISD, is someone who has touched the lives of so many students, colleagues, and families in our community," Allred said in the post. "Known for his kindness, leadership, and unwavering support for others, he has always been there to lift up those around him."
Ponder ISD also shared a Facebook post regarding Saturday's accident, per the Chronicle report.
"Lion Nation, Please join us in lifting up Coach Crutsinger and his family in your thoughts and prayers following an accident at the Regional Track Meet," the post read. "We stand together in support during this time!"
According to Shapiro, 2025-26 is Crustinger's first year with Ponder ISD. He was previously the head football coach and athletic director for Nocona ISD, also in North Texas.
