Chadron State wrestlers injured in crash

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By The Associated Press

Chadron State College officials say three wrestlers remain in serious condition from injuries they suffered in an automobile crash on Wednesday.

The three were riding in one of two school sport-utility vehicles headed to Denver International Airport for a flight to Las Vegas. The team was en route to this weekend’s Las Vegas Invitational, but on Thursday the school said that the team will not compete at the event.

Colorado authorities say the driver lost control while slowing down and the vehicle, a 2003 Ford Excursion, ran off Interstate 25 three miles south of the Colorado-Wyoming border around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the vehicle traveled down an embankment, overturning once, before coming to rest on its wheels near a farm access road.

The three were seriously injured are Max Baker of Elk Grove, Calif.; J.J. Pursley of Brush, Colo.; and Willy Jones of Chadron.

Also injured were Ty Brown of Crawford, Brett Hunter of Rushville and assistant coach Mark Pfeifer, the driver. Hunter is ranked fifth nationally at 174 pounds in the latest Division II rankings. The injured were taken to the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colo.

The final passenger in the Excursion, student assistant coach Tony Arena of Kelsey, Calif., was released on the scene.

Team members who were not injured stayed at a Colorado motel Wednesday night.

“I know the entire Chadron State family joins me in keeping the injured athletes and their families in our thoughts and we all wish them a speedy recovery,” said CSC President Janie Park.