Austin Hatch Unlikely to Play This Season
According to a brief WANE item, Austin Hatch's family released a statement today that says:
"Austin continues to make great strides in his rehabilitation; this first year is vital to the recovery process. As a result, it is unlikely that Austin's physicians will clear him to play basketball this season."
Regardless of when he might be able to get back on the court, it's good to hear that he continues to make progress in his recovery.
November 29th, 2011 at 6:58 PM ^
...he takes all the time he needs and makes a full recovery.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:00 PM ^
that's probably for the best. it's more important that he focus on recovering than basketball.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:11 PM ^
I bet some regular joe shmo that read that short blip that has no awareness of what happened would never in a million years guess that he won't be playing because he survived not his 1st, but 2nd plane crash. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to witness a miracle, here you go.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:24 PM ^
that they're even discussing his playing this year. Seeing the pix of him watching the MSU game and the video of him with his teammates on the floor of the their first game was amazing enough. Thanks, as always, for the updates.
November 29th, 2011 at 7:25 PM ^
The fact that this was even a question is good news. He obviously must have regained most of his physical abilities. Has he returned to his high school?
November 29th, 2011 at 7:31 PM ^
There was a report from earlier this month that said he was "back at Canterbury with a limited class schedule."
November 29th, 2011 at 7:33 PM ^
on a non-athletic scholarship so he can be at MI after he finishes his HS and be close to the program. Then, if he ever recovers enough to compete again, he's here....if not, he's able to achieve an outstanding education and move on with the rest of his life.....
November 29th, 2011 at 8:42 PM ^
I had been hoping for something similar myself. Maybe he eventually recovers and plays, but either way, he is part of the family, and I want him on campus in any capacity that works for him.
November 30th, 2011 at 5:50 AM ^
November 29th, 2011 at 7:52 PM ^
I think that I read he was there...
November 29th, 2011 at 8:13 PM ^
Sam Webb said that Hatch, McGary, and Donnal were all at The Game.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:53 PM ^
He was sitting in either section 7 or 8. I had the chance meet him on the way up the stairs. He was super friendly and I was able to chat with him for a second as we waited for the aisle to clear. That being said, he's a little unsteady on his feet and has a huge amount of work ahead of him before he'd be back to his former abilities.
I got a 'Go Blue' from him and a 'Thank you' from an older lady accompanying him.
Cool story bro I know.....
November 30th, 2011 at 1:57 AM ^
I don't think I ever got a handle on his injuries. Was it mild brain or spine trauma?
Also, that's clearly not a cool story bro...that would be if you told us about how you totally served some columbus fan on saturday by calling him a fuckeye.
November 30th, 2011 at 9:06 AM ^
This Fort Wayne News-Sentinel item summarized his injuries:
Hatch suffered a head injury, punctured lung, broken ribs and a broken collarbone in a June 24 plane crash that killed his father, Dr. Stephen Hatch, and his stepmother, Kim Hatch.
Also, I thought this part of a Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article was worth noting:
Hatch has been seen around Fort Wayne working out and doing basketball drills.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:20 PM ^
scenario would be for him to take a light load this year, return for his senior year next year and play basketball. Then, if he has fully recovered his BB skills, enter Michigan a year late.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:36 PM ^
Hatch is only a junior this year and committed to Michigan for the 2013 class. There's been much speculation about him reclassifying to 2014.
November 29th, 2011 at 8:47 PM ^
If I had gone through what Austin has, I don't think I would ever get on a plane again.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:44 PM ^
To be fair, they were private planes both piloted by his dad (RIP). I hope this does not come off the wrong way, it was a terrible tragedy.
<br>
<br>How many US commercial flights crash, not many. I can't recall one since 911.
November 30th, 2011 at 11:13 AM ^
There was one that emergency landed in the Hudson River in New York. The one that the media made the pilot a demi-God for. Granted he truly did an amazing job saving those lives, but I feel 95% of pilots would have done the same.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:37 PM ^
November 29th, 2011 at 10:02 PM ^
just happy for him to be alive. Sports is a luxury.
November 29th, 2011 at 10:40 PM ^
Let Austin Hatch be a normal student again. There will be plenty of time for basketball later if he makes it all the way back. I'll be happier for him when he becomes Dr Hatch, whether or not he ever plays another second of ball.
November 30th, 2011 at 12:50 AM ^
I can't think of a kid that I don't know personally that I have ever pulled for more than this kid. I say a prayer for him whenever his name comes up. If he was physically able to play without holding up his progress, I am sure they would let him. The game can be a great distractor during times of grief and trouble. I hope he is able to play as soon as possible and would love to see him make a full recovery. I would love to root for him on the court at Michigan, but if he never plays a minute I hope he is able to have a successful life.