HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: A senior comeback

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By Derek Ehrhardt, Elkader Central freshman

ELKADER - Senior Sam Hilgerson played in his first competitive game since last March on Jan. 3 against Clayton Ridge.

Hilgerson didn't score, but helped the team with rebounds and assists.

Hilgerson was injured last March and the pain was so excruciating he went to a specialist in July. He found he had a fractured vertebrate along with a swollen one. He didn't know what really caused it, his back started hurting toward the end of last year's basketball season. He still doesn''t know what caused the  injury.

His healing process was slow. Time was key and he could not do a lot of things he wanted.

It was three months before he could start riding a stationary bike. He did what ever his physical therapist ask, including a lot of stretching. Once his back was feeling better, he got the approval to start jogging. That led up to him being able to run just like he used to.

After six months of physical therapy, Hilgerson is back to where he was a year ago.

Basketball Coach Trevor Arnold  is thankful  Hilgerson is back.

"The fact that he can just play again is a victory itself, his leadership was greatly missed," Arnold said. "Sam was in very good shape before his injury so that is what helped him get back as soon as he did. Sam wants to win more than anybody I have ever coached."

Even while he wasn't able to participate, he was there supporting and helping the team.

He missed all of his senior year of football because of his injury, but Hilgerson still helped Central anyway he could.

"Sam was our student coach, he helped with scout team and he was always giving tips during games," Arnold said.

Hilgerson holds the school's 8-man record in touchdown receptions at seven in a single season and was the leading tackler for the 2012 season.

While he was upset  he couldn't play his last year of football, he is glad he is able to wrap up his basketball career on the court.