Injuries are a price an athlete has to pay sometimes when playing sports. According to Stop Sports Injuries, high school athletes account for an estimated 2 million injuries and 500,00 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year.

Nick Hummel, sophomore, is one of the athletes who sustained an injury while playing football.

“I was playing in a [varsity] football game. I was running the ball when I was hit and my knee bent the wrong way. In my knee I tore my MCL and ACL,” Hummel said.

Due to this injury Hummel will not be able to participate in his winter sports: basketball and indoor lacrosse.

Elena Claus, athletic trainer, said cross country and football were the two fall sports that have had the most injuries so far.

Claus said the injuries in the fall sports, without proper care, may prevent athletes from performing well in the winter season.

“Most often there are injuries from the fall that don’t have enough time to fully recover before heading into the winter,” Claus said. “Athletes do not want to miss tryouts. Without full recover time, the injuries may bother them all of winter season or the injuries will not allow the athlete to perform their best.”

Claus said the best way to avoid situations like that is to follow the injury instructions and not return to play until they are fully recovered.

One of the sports affected by fall injuries is boys basketball. Shane Matzen, boys basketball coach, said he knows of three returning players who are injured.

“I don’t know how the injuries will affect the season,” Matzen said.

Matzen said he will rely on the trainer to help his players get better and will follow any advice they give out.

“Injuries happen. I still encourage my athletes to play more than one sport,” Matzen said. “You only get to experience high school once and you should try as many activities that interest you as possible…no regrets.”

Matzen gives his players the option of pre-season conditioning to help them get ready for basketball, but it also helps them to prevent injuries by being properly trained.

Matzen said they train during the summer and start up about two weeks into the school year.

For those looking to stay healthy for their sport, Hummel has some advice.

“Be flexible and don’t go above your physical limit,” Hummel said.