INDIANAPOLIS
Trevor Hohlt’s method of moving about the playing surface of Lucas Oil Stadium differed from his Center Grove teammates.
Nevertheless, the junior’s sense of accomplishment was the same.
After suffering a season-ending injury to his right knee in the Trojans’ 56-6 defeat of Jeffersonville in a Class 6A sectional final, Hohlt had become his team’s biggest fan.
He supported his teammates — many of whom he’s known since their days playing Bantam League football — while seated in a wheelchair during Center Grove’s 28-16 triumph against Penn.
Afterward, Hohlt, whose blocking, breakaway speed and ability to be utilized out of the backfield as a slot receiver were major factors in the team’s early- and mid-season success, made the rounds.
Teammates approached Hohlt, many times bending over to hug him, say they loved him, or both.
“This was the best thing that’s ever happened to us. This has been our goal all year. It’s a great way for the seniors to go out, and I’m just so proud of our team and what we were able to accomplish,” Hohlt said.
“I was on the sideline, in the same place most of the game. I tried wheeling around for the most part, but I was usually on about the 20-yard line (of the south end of the field).”
Hohlt had knee surgery Nov. 17. He said he expects to be in the wheelchair for another week or two and then will get around with crutches. His overall rehabilitation is expected to take five to six months.
“When they opened me up there was a little more (damage) than they thought. My femoral patella ligament was torn, and then I had cartilage ripped off my femur. I have two screws and a cartilage graft in my knee right now,” Hohlt said.
Hohlt’s statistics for this season were 65 carries for 351 yards rushing and three receptions for 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His best game statistically was 102 yards rushing in a Week 6 win at Lawrence Central.
No one knows whether Hohlt can return for track and field season in the spring. Either way, he plans to be a central factor in Center Grove’s football plans come this summer.
“Oh, I’ll be back,” he said. “I’ll be back.”
