When senior Tom Werney’s knee gave out during a game against Yale nearly two weeks ago, Fairfield Coach Ted Spencer described it as the “turning point of the game.”
Despite an early lead, the Stags started to fall behind. They attempted to rally, but failed. Their minds seemed to wander towards the injury of their captain and as Spencer said, “emotional leader.”
While uncertain at the time, Werney, a 2004 preseason Third Team All-American and one of Fairfield’s top goal-scorers of all time, could only wonder if the injury was to his ACL, an injury that had previously led to two surgeries and the loss of his 2003 season.
An injury that could mark the end of his shining career.
Last week, Werney did everything he could to help his situation, draining and constantly icing his knee as well as struggling to remain positive. Meanwhile, his teammates too faced a great challenge: attempting to upend a powerful No. 20 Harvard team. Entering the game, the Stags knew they had an equally powerful inspiration for victory.
“We wanted to go out and perform well for Tommy,” said Spencer.
And after the final whistle blew, the Stags stood on top, 7-6. Sophomore goalie Michael Kruger had made a career-high 20 saves. Five of Fairfield’s goals came from freshmen. And Werney was given something to cheer about for the first time in over a week.
“I was proud of the team,” he said. “I had been depressed about things, having something that’s meant so much to me taken away. It was the first time I was uplifted and high-spirited. It gave me something to smile about.”
Spencer was also proud of the way his team handled the game, especially without the guidance of Werney.
“The kids played outstanding against Harvard…I think they’ve done a heck of a job,” he said. “The team has responded well to Tommy’s injury, they’ve responded well to getting out there and playing hard. Tommy is our emotional leader on the field and it’s hard to replace that. You can’t replace that.”
While Werney had an MRI performed on his knee yesterday, details were not available by The Mirror’s deadline.
Werney feels that even if the results show a tear in his ACL, he will make every attempt to dress and play for the last few games of the Stags season.
“He wanted to suit up, this has been very difficult for him,” said Spencer. “He certainly doesn’t want to end his career that way.”
Yet whether he steps onto the field again this season or not, Werney will be on the sidelines with his teammates, guiding them with the experience he has attained through his time spent at Fairfield.
“I’m a perfect example of not taking anything for granted on the field or in life,” he said. “Anything can be taken away from you at a snap of a finger. Compete at your highest level. You never know what can happen.”
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