No key injuries to report
The Marshall Thundering Herd Football Injury Report and History is a comprehensive document that outlines the injuries sustained by the Marshall University football team, also known as the Thundering Herd, throughout their history.
The early years of Marshall football were marred by numerous injuries, many of which were severe and even life-threatening. In the 1920s, several players suffered from broken bones, concussions, and other orthopedic injuries due to the lack of proper protective gear and medical care. One notable incident occurred in 1923 when player John “Red” Smith suffered a severe head injury during a game against West Virginia, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization and a long recovery period.
As football safety protocols improved, the number of severe injuries began to decline. However, injuries still plagued the team, particularly in the 1980s. In 1985, the team’s star quarterback, Mike McCoy, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a game against East Carolina, forcing the team to rely on backup quarterback, Rob Heffner.
In recent years, the Marshall Thundering Herd has seen its fair share of injuries, particularly to key players. In 2014, wide receiver Tommy Shuler suffered a severe ankle sprain, causing him to miss several games. More recently, in 2020, quarterback Grant Wells suffered a concussion during a game against Appalachian State, leading to a temporary replacement by backup quarterback, Luke Zban.
The Marshall University athletic department has implemented numerous initiatives to prevent and treat injuries within the football program. These include:
– State-of-the-art training facilities and equipment
– Comprehensive concussion protocols
– Advanced athletic training and physical therapy services
– Strength and conditioning programs designed to reduce the risk of injury
With a focus on player safety and well-being, the Marshall Thundering Herd continues to take steps to minimize the risk of injury and ensure the long-term health of its student-athletes.