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Valley Christian head football coach Jim Puryear remembers Andrew Swank as “a good teammate with a great smile.”
When the school announced in the spring of 2007 that it would field a football team for the first time, Swank was part of the inaugural squad along with 14 other students. As the 2009 season began, Swank was starting at cornerback and wing for the Panthers.
Last Friday, in a game at LaCrosse-Washtucna, Swank sustained a traumatic head injury following a block near the end of the first half. The 17-year-old suffered severe hemmorraging and multiple strokes as a result of the incident. He was airlifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center where he underwent three surgeries.
He later lapsed into a coma and passed away on Sunday.
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| Andrew Swank |
Earlier this week, on the campus of Valley Christian, students and staff gathered for a prayer meeting and to remember the junior described in a prepared statement from the school as “a friend, a brother and a student of outstanding character.” The school also provided grief counseling.
“We need to honor his life,” Puryear said. “I think Drew would tell us, ‘I love you. Don’t be sad. I’ll see you soon.’” We need to remember that we are citizens of the next world.”
Andrew’s parents, Don and Patti Swank of Hauser Lake, released a statement saying that their son’s organs will be donated.
Swank is survived by his parents and seven siblings.
“He is a true testament of faith in God,” the statement from the family read.
“Drew is now in heaven with God.”
A fund has been set up at Spokane Teachers Credit Union and through VCHS to help the family defray costs related to Andrew’s medical treatment.
As a ninth-grader, Swank contributed to a team that finished with three wins in its first season, including a 29-13 victory over Springdale in the last game of the year. In the team’s second game against Pateros this season, the junior returned a kickoff for a 60-yard gain.
“He was a good football player,” Puryear said. “Drew really started developing as a sophomore.”
Puryear and assistant coach Mike Heden made a trip to LaCrosse-Washtucna High School on Monday to visit with Tigercats coaches and players.
“This is not anyone’s fault,” Puryear said. “This particular injury is very rare.”
Washington state lawmakers introduced new standards this spring for the treatment of head injuries and concussions sustained in youth football programs. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association is collaborating with area school districts to implement the policies.
Puryear had completed the first clinic that outline safety precautions associated with such injuries.
Valley Christian has called off this Friday’s game against St. John-Endicott as well as all sports activities scheduled for this week.
Chad Kimberly, the school’s athletic director, said there are plans to resume the season against Selkirk on Oct. 9, although he said the team is approaching the remainder of the schedule “on a week-to-week basis.”
A funeral service is scheduled for today (Friday) at Spokane Valley Nazarene Church, 15515 E. 20th, beginning at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at Valley Christian School.
Kimberly said the entire school has rallied in a spirit of reinforcement and reflection this week.
“It’s been neat to see the encouragement and support,” he said. “I think a lot of it has to do with the confidence and assurance of where Drew is.”
Kimberly said coaches and athletic directors from throughout the state have called the school to offer their condolences.
“It’s been a really gracious group,” he said.
Puryear said the school is relying on faith to uphold them through a difficult time.
“Things happen that we don’t understand,” he said. “I believe that God is good, and there are purposes and reasons to what goes on in this life. Drew would want us to go forward.”
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By
Craig Howard
