Springfield, Ohio – After Wittenberg University senior diver Eric Roberts (Willits, Calif./Willits) suffered a frightening injury in the 3-meter competition at the Transylvania University Invitational on Saturday, his teammates and coaches sprang into action and worked closely with training staff at the University of Kentucky to ensure his safety.
Thanks to a series of quick reactions and expert care that continues two days after the incident, which occurred at the University of Kentucky’s Lancaster Aquatic Center in Lexington, Roberts is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries. He is currently in stable condition at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center.
Roberts is a senior captain who is working toward a degree in sociology. He has been a team leader each of his first three seasons at Wittenberg, and he has been named the team’s Most Valuable Diver following each of the last two seasons. While executing a dive in the 3-meter competition, Roberts’ head struck the diving board, resulting in injuries that will require extensive care, treatment and rehabilitation.
The first person into the pool to rescue Roberts was freshman Patrick Rittenhouse (Fort Wayne, Ind./Homestead), who utilized his training as a lifeguard to bring his teammate to the side of the pool. He was met there by Assistant Coach Daneen Maughmer, the University of Kentucky students who were working as lifeguards for the meet, and Alaina White, the head certified athletic trainer at Transylvania, who led the effort to treat his injuries.
Wittenberg continued to compete in the Transylvania Invitational, inspired by teammate Eric Roberts.
Photo by Chip Dumstorf
“The most awesome thing was that after the initial shock of the injury and the gravity of the situation set in, the whole swimming and diving community came together,” Head Coach Natalie Koukis said. “We received so much support the entire weekend, starting with the care for Eric and continuing with support and encouragement for our team members who were obviously shaken. Team members and coaches from other teams and parents in attendance all played an important role in getting us through this difficult experience.
“I can’t say enough about the tremendous response by the Transylvania training staff, Patrick and Daneen, the lifeguards, and the medical personnel from the University of Kentucky, all of whom handled the entire situation with professionalism and compassion.”
Koukis is also grateful to Wittenberg Assistant Certified Athletic Trainer Molly Hopkins and Director of Athletics and Recreation Gary Williams, who drove to Lexington as quickly as possible to provide support. Hopkins stayed with Roberts throughout Saturday night to monitor his condition and provide updates to the team.
“I am proud of the response to this situation, including our competing teams, the host institution, and the Wittenberg Tiger family that has pulled together quickly to provide support and much-needed resources to Eric and his family,” Williams said. “I am grateful to be a part of a university that is focused on the needs of its students first and foremost. We will continue to be there at all times for Eric and his teammates.”
Upon the team’s return to Springfield on Sunday after the Tiger men placed second and the Tiger women took the championship trophy in the invitational, university administrators welcomed the student-athletes and coaches back to campus. Accommodations are being made to allow for Roberts to complete his first-semester class schedule and prepare for his final collegiate semester, and a care package that will include notes, cards and messages of support is already being prepared.
Williams is coordinating the collection of items for the Wittenberg care package. Items can be dropped off at the welcome desk in the HPER Center Legends Lobby. Donations in support of Roberts’ care can be sent to Linda Speakman, c/o Wittenberg Swimming and Diving Parents Organization, 231 West Drive, Springfield, OH 45504.
Written By: Ryan Maurer