State champion to miss USA Wrestling Championships

Clark Glass, 14, who won a state title for Tampa Bay Christian (formerly Tampa Baptist) as a seventh-grader last season, broke two fingers during the Cadet National Dual Championships on June 24 and will miss the upcoming USA Wrestling National Championships.

By By Terry Jones, Times correspondent
Published July 1, 2007

How bad are the injuries?

I have multiple fractures in my index and middle fingers. They were all hairline breaks, but I can't use my right hand to even train for at least three or four weeks.

What happened?

While making a defensive move, my opponent rolled me over onto my hand, and the bones snapped. At the time, it was painful enough to stop me from wrestling, but there is little to no pain now.

Did your doctor say you could not train at all for the next three or four weeks, or will you be able to work out lightly or even run?

I won't do anything for about a month. By then, the (USA tournament) will be over. By August, I can start running, but it will be a little longer after that before I can work out with my hand.

Are the injuries permanent? Will the breaks weaken your grip or keep you from defending your state championship in the next high school season?

No.

You have never missed the USA tournament. What are your thoughts about missing the big one?

It bothers me, of course. Sitting out ... will be difficult for me. But I will take advantage of the rest with a little break and come back as strong as I can in the fall. Our team at Tampa Bay Christian will be stronger, and I am looking forward to being a big part of it all.

[Last modified June 30, 2007, 22:09:14]