— Story by Derek Buerkle – MTN Sports
BIGFORK – A freak accident led to a frightening injury at Bigfork High School’s track practice Thursday afternoon.
Multi-sport star Anders Epperly was struck by a thrown javelin in the chest and flown immediately to a hospital in Kalispell.
Bigfork Athletic Director Matt Porrovecchio confirmed Friday Epperly is recovering, and he avoided what could have been a much worse injury.
Epperly was standing outside the throwing zone, but a gust of wind caused a throw by a teammate to veer off course. The javelin punctured Epperly’s lung, but fortunately missed major arteries.
The senior, Anders Epperly, helped Bigfork win a second straight state basketball championship last month. (MTN Sports file image)
He will need to spend possibly a couple more days in the hospital to monitor his wound, but he is expected to make a full recovery.
The senior helped Bigfork win a second straight state basketball championship last month, breaking Montana’s all-time career assists record in the process. He also started at quarterback on the football field for the Vikings.
