We want to take a few moments to update you on the event that has impacted our whole community. 

 

To review:  Saturday night a bus carrying 23 members of our team, and two coaches, was involved in an accident.  Police in Warsaw, Indiana say a man driving a semi-truck ran a red light and hit the bus.  Officers also say 16 of our students ended up at hospitals - three of them for advanced care. We are learning now, *one* required immediate surgical intervention. That number is down from earlier reports.

 

We are happy to share that coaches were able to speak with the three students who, as of Sunday afternoon, remained in the hospital. They say they were heartened to hear the young men ask about their brothers on the team.

 

Hockey Director and Varsity Head Coach Spencer Montgomery said, "We are thankful and grateful for the hockey community, and looking forward to better days ahead.  Please keep our boys in your thoughts."  

 

Montgomery continued, "I'm very proud and impressed with Mike Rigitano, the JV Head Coach and Ryan Haraldsen, the JV Assistant Coach.  They were calm, concerned and took action swiftly."

 

Many thanks, as well, to the police and EMS crews who handled the situation. 

 

"They were timely, organized and put the health of our boys at the forefront," said Montgomery.

 

Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Mike Hurley added, "Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers remain with our courageous student-athletes, coaches and families of our JV Hockey Team after last night's accident.  Our care and support extend to our entire school community during this time. We very much appreciate all of the loving messages and well wishes we have received for all of those affected."

 

Those well wishes have come from close to home and from across the country.

Among the many people offering prayers, was Cardinal Blase Cupich who called us this morning, and Fr. Karl Kiser, SJ, our provincial of the Jesuit USA Midwest Province.  Both offered Masses for the JV hockey team."

 

As we always do at Saint Ignatius, we will bring our school community together for Mass at the Church of the Holy Family, Monday at 3:30 p.m. for the team.

 

Students will also have counseling support throughout the days ahead.  

 

Again, thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.  They mean so much.

 

Blessings,

 

John Chandler, President

Kristyn Hartman, Director of Communications