Players, community pray for Karns City quarterback injured in game Friday
KARNS CITY — Players from several area football teams huddled in prayer on the field of Diehl Stadium on Sunday evening, Sept. 3, in support of Mason Martin, who is in critical condition in a Pittsburgh hospital after collapsing on the field Friday night.
And while Mason's No. two jersey was displayed on the field Sunday, the Karns City Area School District’s players, coaches, staff and the community gathered to pray for his recovery.
In a Facebook post, Mason’s parents are asking for “everyone’s strength and prayers” while doctors wait to assess possible injury to his brain.
“We’re just getting together and fighting for Mason,” said Karns City football head coach Joe Sherwin. “It’s nice to know that we support each other.”
Mason, the team’s senior quarterback, collapsed before a play in the third quarter of a home game against Redbank Valley and was taken from the field by ambulance and then transported by helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. The incident was reported to dispatch at 8:48 p.m.
“The truth is we need a miracle,” Mason’s parents said in the Facebook post. “I’m not saying that to sound grim, but to let you know that we need the strength of your prayers. No one believes in this kid more than us, but he needs everyone’s strength and prayers.”
The Facebook post said the high school senior remains in critical condition in the hospital. Doctors are waiting for the swelling in Mason’s brain to shrink so they can assess the damage, his parents said.
It was midway through the third quarter when referee Mike Vasbinder saw Mason stagger.
“I had to talk to him, and when I asked if he was all right, he told me, ‘no,’” Vasbinder said. “So that’s when I knew something was wrong.”
The game between the Gremlins and the Bulldogs was cut short. Redbank Valley was named the winner with a final score of 35-6.
Sherwin said some alumni football players and local clergy quickly came together to organize the prayer vigil Sunday. Word of Mason’s injury and the vigil spread over the weekend, and many businesses’ signs in and around the school district showed messages of support for Mason. Many people drove past those signs as the stadium filled Sunday.
Pete Sapp, pastor of Trinity Reformed Church of Bradys Bend, said the number of people who came together to support Mason and his family could be the start of what the high school senior needs to receive a miracle.
“The trauma that was with us and so many on Friday night was a bomb that went off in the middle of the Martins’ lives; and it has sent a shock wave not only throughout this community, but it has spread to other communities,” he said. “I can’t think of a time that I have been more proud of this community coming together.”
Eric Ritzert, superintendent of the school district, opened the vigil by saying that the district has support counselors for anyone who needs someone to talk to about Mason and his condition. Several other area pastors led the full stadium in prayer, and some of the football players read scripture during the vigil.
Michael Stimac, one of the principals of Karns City Jr./Sr. High School, was moved to tears speaking about Mason and his family. He met Mason when the football player was a fifth-grader in the district.
Stimac said Mason would probably be happy to know the community was coming together for a prayer vigil to support him, because of his earlier expressions of faith.
“I’ve known them all (the Martins’ children) to be intelligent, hardworking, funny and all leaders,” Stimac said. “I remember telling their dad that I hoped my kids would grow up to be just as good as their kids.”
Just like Mason’s parents signed off on their Facebook post using Mason’s favorite Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11, the ceremony ended with Mason’s teammate reciting the verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
For those who were unable to attend the vigil, a recording is available to watch.
