Family: Kolstad Continues Making Strides In Recovery
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The family of a former Minnesota State University, Mankato football player says he continues to make strides in recovering from a May assault as he's now eating and talking, according to his CaringBridge page.
Molly Kolstad, the wife of Isaac Kolstad, posted on his site that he continues to make improvements while working with a speech therapist. Kolstad was allegedly assaulted shortly after the bars closed in Mankato on May 11 and suffered severe head trauma as a result. It's been nearly three months since the incident.
Part of Kolstad's therapy includes being shown pictures, which he then has to identify what he sees. Following a swallowing study, he's able to drink normal fluids and eat food that is pureed and soft in texture.
According to the CaringBridge post, Kolstad is also walking, moving around and standing well. Work with a physical therapist involves going up and down stairs, and has even played a game of HORSE with his family. Molly Kolstad said on the site he is also picking and throwing small blocks, tracing his name with a pencil and throwing and catching a football again.
Two men, including former Gophers football quarterback Philip Nelson, have each been charged with two felony counts of assault in connection with the incident. Nelson was soon after dismissed from the football team at Rutgers, where he had transferred to after leaving Minnesota.