Soccer can be a rough sport.
For those people who believe all the players do is play kickball on a field, think again. The action is virtually non-stop, and it can get pretty physical at times.
Players, who are for the most part unprotected, except for shin guards, get injured all the time.
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Tori Poole
Just ask Williamstown's Tori Poole and Marietta's Colin Jordan.
A week ago, Poole, who plays on a Mike Albertson-coached Yellowjacket soccer squad that features both boys and girls, suffered what turned out to be a broken nose in a match against Tyler Consolidated.
It was an accident, because it was inadvertently caused by a Yellowjacket teammate's elbow during the competition.
Stuff happens.
Needless to say, play on the pitch was temporarily halted as Poole was in a lot of discomfort and pain.
Sometimes, athletes with a broken nose can continue playing, but to be on the safe side here, Poole was wisely rushed to a local hospital. There was always the danger that she might have sustained a concussion.
She did not.
But a broken nose was confirmed.
On Sunday, Poole was in church, and on Monday, she visited a doctor.
Remaining upbeat and ever the team player, Poole reportedly was very pleased that when the soccer action was resumed after her setback, Williamstown, currently the owner of an 8-1-1 overall record, was able to go on to defeat Tyler Consolidated, 2-1.
Poole, a senior, and Megan Steele are the only girls on the Williamstown varsity soccer roster. Oh, yes, she also competes on the Yellowjacket swim team.
Before Poole was injured, Jacket soccer teammate Alex Gedon had been on the disabled list, recovering from a broken collarbone.
Meanwhile, over at Don Drumm Stadium on Sept. 6, Marietta was hosting arch-rival Warren in a non-conference boys' soccer tilt. Always a spirited and emotional game, this one was no exception as both schools played and battled hard on the artificial surface.
In the end, the Todd Morris-coached Tigers won a 1-0 decision, but lost Jordan to a concussion in the process.
Jordan, a senior starting outside midfielder, is a veteran player, and his absence on the pitch is a significant loss.
According to Jordan's father, his son may be out for the remainder of the season.
There is still, however, a possibility that Jordan may return to the action if and when he "gets clearance" to do so.
Concussions are serious business.
As are broken noses.
And, soccer is far from just a walk in the park.
Ron Johnston is the Marietta Times sports editor, and can be reached at 376-5441 or at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com
