‘Freak accident’ at Texas track meet leaves beloved coach in ICU after surgery

A North Texas high school coach remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Tuesday, three days after a "freak accident" at a weekend track meet. Blake Crustinger, a track coach and assistant football coach for Ponder Independent School District (ISD), was struck in the head by a shot put during a regional track meet in Tyler. He underwent surgery Monday morning to reduce swelling in his brain and remained in the ICU overnight, according to a Facebook post from his wife, Leslie. 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. Tara Allred, the Chief Academic Officer of Ponder ISD, made a joint statement with Leslie on GoFundMe to support Blake's recovery. "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. "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!" 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. Controversy | Texas school sent parents waiver to allow kids to be coached by sex offenderStandard | Will Anderson Jr. warns future Texans rookies: 'We don't complain'Major League | Astros fan turns disastrous season into brilliant movie parody trailerDrama | Travis Scott-linked firm blocks Houston Comets name in WNBA return Catch up on Texas sports, sign up for the Launch Pad newsletter here.