The Power of Prayer: Kevin Ware

4/3/13

The Kevin Ware Injury

The Louisville vs. Duke elite eight game was shaping up to be a riveting clash between two titans of college basketball. Both teams were coming from successful regular seasons and with aspirations to win the whole tournament. They actually played back in the preseason with Duke coming out as the victor, however this was a different game with different circumstances. The beginning of the game lived up to all of the hype with numerous lead changes and fast-paced play. The score was very tight throughout the first half and an intense ending seemed inevitable, but toward the end of the first half, something occurred that would be the main talking point of the country for days to come. One would think that an event of this magnitude would have great precursor events that would lead up to the result, but that was not the case. Kevin Ware was contesting a three from Duke, a play that happens hundreds of times during basketball games, nothing out of the ordinary. After Duke guard Tyler Thornton made the shot play was about to go on as usual but it seemed apparent that someone was on the floor injured. I thought that this was a customary rolled ankle or crap, but after the cameras showed Louisville players on the floor and crying, it hit to me that this was something serious. I didn't know how something serious could happen from such a common play. When they showed the replay, I was flabbergasted. I had never seen such a gruesome injury in my life. Kevin Ware had broken his leg with his bone protruding his skin. I could barely watch. Everyone in the building and watching the game were shocked at what had transpired. First I thought of Kevin Ware and how his career would be affected by this injury. I also thought about how this injury would effect the game. Would it hurt or help Louisville? Clearly it helped Louisville as they went out and destroyed Duke in the second half beating them by more than twenty points, inspired by their fallen teammate. After the injury there was massive public support for Kevin through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter with a major message being "Pray for Ware". I found this moment very moving as sports can bring out the best of even such a horrific event as this one. I believe that the public support and prayers for Kevin truly helped him in his recovery as I was surprised to see that Kevin is already walking around on crutches after undergoing a successful surgery. Doctors say that it will take him a year to recover and return to the court. He seems to have a positive outlook on his future and is going to play a key role for Louisville in the Final Four. I will keep Kevin in my prayers so that the rest of his recovery goes smoothly and that he may return to his optimal level of performance.