Kimball Star To Miss Remainder Of Wrestling Season With Ligament Tear

For the second time in two years, injury has knocked Kimball wrestler Jonathon Withrow out of district competition—and a possible trip to state.

Last year a concussion kept him from the big dance. This time around, the damage is more serious: a tear in his labral ligament that may require surgery. Even in physicians determine that physical therapy will suffice, Withrow is out of action until the football season.

“There’s nothing you can do about it,” he said with a philosophical shrug.

In practice after the holiday moratorium, Withrow felt a twinge in his hip. During the first period of his first match at the Ogallala tournament later that week, the ligament ripped apart.

“I felt it pop, but I wrestled with it,” he reported. “I knew it was going to be a long day.”

Coach Wade Brashear tried to assess the damage. He gave Withrow the option of withdrawing from the competition, but the sophomore wanted to continue.

“By the fourth match I really couldn’t take it,” Withrow admitted.

Just before the Lingle-Ft. Laramie tournament, an MRI confirmed the tear. In three weeks doctors will take another look at his hip and decide whether or not surgery is necessary.

Before the injury, Withrow had compiled a 17-4 record and seemed on the verge of a trip to state.

“It looked like I was on track,” he agreed. “But district is hard—you never know.”

Withrow will continue with Kimball’s wrestling squad, assisting during practices and tournaments.

“He is still a leader for us,” Brashear said.