St. John Vianney quarterback Aaron Van Trease suffered a serious spinal cord injury in the Lancers game against Manasquan. The entire high school sports community is coming together to support the senior. Learn more about how you can help
St. John Vianney senior quarterback and safety Aaron Van Trease suffered a serious injury in the first quarter on the third play of the Lancers home game against Manasquan on September 23. Van Trease was playing defense at the time attempting a tackle when the spinal cord injury occurred. SJV head football coach Jeff Papcun told multiple media outlets that Van Trease had no feeling in his lower body but was able to have movement in his upper body as he was stretchered off the field.
He was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick where he underwent surgery last Saturday.
St. John Vianney principal Margaret Kane released a statement last Saturday confirming the surgery and commenting, “Parents are asking for prayers and privacy at this time as he recovers.
The Lancers went on to beat Manasquan 32-0 to record its fourth straight win. Van Trease has been a catalyst playing on both sides of the ball. In a 30-0 win over Monmouth Regional, he had two touchdown runs and his fourth TD pass of the season.
A Go Fund Me has been established to help the Van Tease family as the road to recovery begins. Click HERE to show your support.
In addition, the Asylum Football Academy is selling merchandise to help the Van Trease family.
Jersey Sports Zone was in Colts Neck for Aaron’s first win of his senior season, where he engineered a late fourth-quarter drive to help the Lancers beat the Cougars 28-21. When he was stretchered off the field against Manasquan, he told coach Jeff Papcun “Don’t worry about me. Go win this game.”
