North Texas coach hit in head with shot put, in intensive care unit
Ponder ISD assistant football and track coach Blake Crutsinger is in the intensive care unit after a shot put accident during the Class 3A Region II track and field meet Saturday at Whitehouse High School.
His wife, Leslie Crutsinger, said on Facebook he was hit in the head with a shot put. He has a skull fracture and brain swelling, and he is going into surgery for a left hemicraniectomy Monday, she said.
Dr. Barak Bar of Jefferson University described the procedure as one where a portion of the skull is removed to relive dangerous pressure caused by brain swelling.
Leslie Crutsinger, on Facebook, thanked those at the track meet who rushed in to help and those who are praying for her husband’s recovery.
“Also, please pray for the young man from the other school who is taking this accident very hard!” Crutsinger wrote.
Crutsinger posted a photo of hundreds gathering for a prayer at Saturday’s regional track meet.
Ponder ISD released a statement on Facebook:
“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. We stand together in support during this time!”
Ponder ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hill sent a statement to the Star-Telegram:
“Our hearts and thoughts are with Coach Crutsinger and his family during this time. We are in constant prayer for them and ask that you join us in praying for complete healing and a full recovery.”
Blake Crutsinger is the former head football coach and athletic director at Nocona.
This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 9:55 AM.
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