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Missouri water polo player injured on trip shocks classmates at graduation
By FOX 2 Now, FOX 2 Now
Published May 31, 2017
Lindbergh High School Water Polo Captain Brad Bauer defied the odds and shocked his classmates by walking across the Chaefetz Arena stage to receive his high school diploma Tuesday night. Bauer suffered serious spinal injuries during a spring break trip when he dove into water without realizing a sandbar was underneath.
“As a team we thought, oh no, this is the end,” said teammate Casey Natsch. “But we rallied around him.”
Bauer arrived for graduation in a wheelchair and received a standing ovation when he stood for his diploma. His teammates were not surprised their captain made his way across the stage.
“If he wants to do it, he’s going to do it,” said teammate Ethan Schnieder.
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The entire Lindbergh community has rallied behind Bauer. They sold t-shirts and wristbands to help with medical expenses. Even some of the school’s rivals purchased and wore items.
Bauer’s coach gave his captain a big hug Tuesday and said this season was more about a lesson in life than water polo.
“I always tell them life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% about how you deal with it,” said Coach Andy Butler. “And that’s a lot of what this year was for us.”
https://www.foxnews.com/us/missouri-water-polo-player-injured-on-trip-shocks-classmates-at-graduation