Info on Injured Alumni Twirler?

Submitted by Jon06 on

SIAP (I'm abroad and have pretty limited internet access), but one of the male alumni twirlers (maybe a former drum major?) appeared to destroy his knee while performing in front of the student section last game. He rather heroically finished his routine on one leg, discovering by trial and error which moves he could pull off without being able to move or balance very well. Is this already well known around here? Does anybody have any additional information about it? It looked pretty bad.

Thanks.

DM39

October 30th, 2013 at 11:54 PM ^

MGoBluePrint,
Is it possible you can send me the video? As morbid as that sounds (I probably won't be able to watch it) my physical therapist and surgeon would like a copy. As my PT said- if he could see exactly what happened (he called it the "mechanics of injury') he would be better able to help me recover as well as help me prevent a repeat or future injury. I have been unable to find a video elsewhere, and this would really help me recover! Thank you so much.
Matthew
If you can, please email me: [email protected]

andy19il

October 9th, 2013 at 9:05 AM ^

And we were looking for him, but couldn't spot Matt during halftime.  Later got a text that he was in the ER, which was a bit worrisome.  But it was an ACL injury.

coldnjl

October 9th, 2013 at 9:58 AM ^

I was in the south enzone and a male twirler with a mustache (white #7 jersey) was putting on one hell of a show...really showing off. However, I think he wore himself out halfway through the half-time show as he started to walk aimlessly around the field at that point...funny stuff

One lady was a champ and doing three battons...#Stillhasit

MLDWoody

October 9th, 2013 at 10:26 AM ^

Everyone in the student section was watching this guy and we all saw him hurt himself. It was impressive to see him still carry on and try to get through, and he finally got the one move he was working on to work (twirled the batton quickly at the ground out in front of him and had it bounce back). When it finally happened everyone cheered for this guy and he then hobbled off. Props to him for sticking around to get the move done.

Did he really tear his ACL though? Damn. 

Joby

October 9th, 2013 at 10:36 AM ^

Matt started the tradition of performing the drum major's pregame show back bend touching the ground with his head, without a helmet or hat. He was an excellent drum major and I hope he heals quickly and fully.

Brick

October 9th, 2013 at 12:22 PM ^

Matt lived down the hall from me freshman year and he's the kind of guy you never forget.  His goal in life was to be the Michigan Drum Major.  He was practicing the back bend for years before he finally got the position so it wasn't surprising he was the first to touch his head to the ground.  It was great seeing him finally acheive his goal knowing how much it meant to him.  I'm sure he'll attack his rehab with the same drive and I won't be surprised too see him back out there next year.

M-Wolverine

October 9th, 2013 at 4:16 PM ^

He lived on my floor in Couzens Hall.  When I read someone was injured I immediately thought it was him. At every homecoming he's still doing stuff that puts the 20 year olds to shame. And while he's in seemingly really good shape, age is age. I had wondered why I didn't see him make it to my end of the Stadium. Now I know. 

And not just an excellent drum major, but a great acting talent too.

 

Doc Brown

October 9th, 2013 at 5:08 PM ^

I am friends with Matt. He came back to our tailgate on crutches. It was initially thought to be a torn meniscus. However, earlier this week his x-rays came back as a torn ACL. 

JamieH

October 10th, 2013 at 1:18 AM ^

as someone who was in the band with Matt for 5 years, Matt never did anything half-way.  If he was going to blow out his knee, he was going to REALLY blow it out. :)

Hopefully with the way they can treat knee injuries these days, they'll be able to heal him up reasonably quickly. 

MMB95

October 9th, 2013 at 7:32 PM ^

I was also in the North End zone but wasn't aware this happened since I was doing flag work.  I just watched my husband's video of the show and I saw the moment the injury happened at the start of the alumni band portion.  OUCH!!  Looked really painful!  I would imagine that will take a long time to heal. 

DM39

October 30th, 2013 at 11:53 PM ^

MMB95,
Is it possible you can send me the video? As morbid as that sounds (I probably won't be able to watch it) my physical therapist and surgeon would like a copy. As my PT said- if he could see exactly what happened (he called it the "mechanics of injury') he would be better able to help me recover as well as help me prevent a repeat or future injury. I have been unable to find a video elsewhere, and this would really help me recover! Thank you so much.
Matthew
If you can, please email me: [email protected]

DM39

October 30th, 2013 at 11:45 PM ^

Jon,
My name is Matthew Pickus, and I am a former Drum Major of the band. I was the Drum Major for the 1993 and 1994 football seasons, and I've been around for every Homecoming game since. Unfortunately this year halftime didn't go as planned. I tore my ACL and meniscus, plus I did some other damage to the knee. I apologize to you and the student section and fans as I obviously couldn't perform like I wanted to. It is an honor and privledge to come back every year and perform for you all. I'll be having surgery shortly, and next year's homecoming game, November 1st, 2014 is already on the calendar! Thank you again, and to everyone that posted. I'm flattered.
Matthew