Family Of Injured Texas High School Coach Says They're Hopeful
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KAUFMAN COUNTY (KRLD) - Scurry-Rosser High School's well-loved coach Mark "Papa" Bachtel is still sidelined in the hospital, after being injured during last Friday's football game.
Bachtel is still in critical condition, but his family says they have reason to hope. "There have been small signs of improvement," says Jason Bachtel, Scurry-Rosser's head coach and athletic director. "There's a long road ahead though, right now it's a waiting game."
"Papa" was injured while standing on the sidelines during the game against Malakoff High School. He wasn't able to get out of the way of two players, and they ran him over. He hit his head and was taken to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.
"The support for our family has been incredible during this time," Jason says. "From friends, former players, former coaches. We can't thank everyone by name but their love is what's getting us through."
The two players, one from Malakoff, have been dealing with their own guilt over what happened. But Jason says they're not in any way to blame. "They're good kids. It was an accident, and we can't stress that enough. This is a routine play that happens every Friday night. My father just couldn't get out of their way, and he took the brunt force."
The community came together in prayer over the weekend. Jason says his family is putting their trust in God. "We know God's will is at work. And if it were to bring one more person to Jesus Christ, then my father would be tickled pink about it."
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