Smith Tears ACL Ends Senior Season

Kellen Smith tore the ACL of his right knee during a game at Marietta College on 9/2/06. It was a non contact injury that occurred while he was cutting. Kellen was evaluated and treated in the athletic training room on 9/5/06. A meniscal tear and ACL injury were suspected. This was confirmed when he saw his orthopedist on 9/7/06. Head Soccer Coach Jeff Haines commented "Kellen was able to play left midfield, left back, and attacking center mid, we are really going to miss him on the field."

Kellen injured the ACL of his left knee before his freshmen year at Stockton in 2003. His surgery and rehab caused him to miss his entire freshman season. "It's really a tough situation for Kellen. Not only is he missing his final year of soccer, but he is fully aware of the rehab process he's going to have to go through ... again." said Jon Heck, Coordinator of Athletic Training. Right now Kellen is planning to put off the surgery until the semester break in December so he can be at home while he is on crutches. Since he will be graduating in May '07 there no rush to get the surgery completed to be ready for the next soccer season. He will complete rehab two days per week until his surgery to regain as much strength and motion as possible before his surgery.

9/11/06