Forty years later, a happier twist to a tragic story

It was one of the darkest nights in the history of the Highland community, the evening of Oct. 24, 1969, which began with the festive atmosphere that accompanies a high school football game in a small town.

The lighthearted environment quickly included concern, however, when Joe Casper, the Scotties’ best player, lay motionless on the home-field turf after making the tackle on the opening kickoff against Goldendale.

Concern became fear when Joe, after being attended to for a long period on the field and then being carefully removed on a stretcher, was driven away in an ambulance. He still hadn’t moved.

Fear became sorrow when we learned that Joe had suffered a spinal injury, that he was paralyzed and would likely remain so.

Then sorrow became raw, unspeakable grief.

Shortly before midnight on Nov. 6, 1969 — hours after Highland had won the Valley A League championship with a 21-0 win at Cle Elum — Joe died.

During the two weeks between his injury and death, the youth among us wrestled all manner of emotions.

Why us, for example, and above all, why Joe?.

After his passing, I faced a question that should never confront someone so young: Why should this person, who had lived less of his life than I had, die?

Forty years after that tragedy, on the field that bears Joe Casper’s name, Highland was dealt another soul-sapping blow when Matthew Newman suffered a life-threatening head injury against Naches Valley.

The similarities regarding the incidents are eerie.

Both Casper and Newman were juniors. Both were solid students, both were multi-sport athletes, and both were among the best-liked and most-respected people in their schools.

But thankfully, there is also a welcome difference.

Newman, initially at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, was moved in October to Children’s Hospital in Seattle where he continues a remarkable recovery.

Not an easy one, mind you, but a recovery nonetheless.

Through past weeks Matthew has fought through dangerous infections accompanied by severe headaches, but of late has made substantial strides.

Literally.

He even walked to a recent medical staff meeting, prompting a post on his Caringbridge Web site to remark, “Showing off to his doctors in hopes of getting an earlier release never hurts.”

Matthew’s family — mother Marla, father Randy and brothers Patrick and Benjamin — are with him today, no doubt brightening his mood and providing him the ultimate outlet for displaying his newly-recovered mobility. At the same time, familiar faces have whetted Matthew’s appetite for home.

“I can tell you this,” Randy said in a recent telephone conversation, “Matthew does not want to be here.”

And as remarkable as Matthew’s recovery has been, the outpouring of support from throughout the entire Northwest has been nothing short of mind-boggling.

Among his visitors at Children’s have been Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson, and former Mariners catcher Dan Wilson. Wall posters and cards have been sent by schools, teams and cheer squads from up and down the Valley.

And thanks to the Internet, Matthew’s story has known no boundaries.

A Raise 7 for Matthew campaign (his jersey number is 7) has included selling T-shirts, inspired car washes, and more. To participate, log onto www.Raise7forMatthew.com or http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewnewman1.

At last check, 682 messages had been left in Matthew’s guestbook. And here’s an example of his inspiration.

During a Class 1A playoff quarterfinal last month, Nooksack Valley’s Anthony Reese discarded his normal jersey No. 85 in tribute to Matthew’s No. 7, and led the Pioneers to a 54-47 win over King’s. Not only did Reese honor Matthew, his teammates followed suit by holding up seven fingers after scoring touchdowns.

That Matthew was badly injured playing a game he loves, and continues a long and arduous recovery, have clearly gotten the public’s attention. But those who know him, who are truly aware of his character, realize that their own responses have stemmed from more than reactive sympathy.

“Matthew,” said Highland football coach Shane Roy, “is a good athlete, a good student and a good citizen. But the reason his classmates, teammates, teachers and coaches are so fond of him is that he’s simply an outstanding human being.”

So is he close to coming home?

“He might be, we’ll see,” said Randy Newman. “He definitely wants to, and is working really hard to get to that point.”

Meaning Matthew has made light years of progress since the night of Sept. 18, when a blossoming young life came perilously close to ending. A portion of Matthew’s skull was removed, for example, during emergency surgery to reduce swelling and pressure around his brain.

“They have to tell you the worst-case scenario,” Randy said, alluding to discussions with doctors on the night of Matthew’s injury. “I was thinking, ‘that can’t be. He’ just a kid, and a few minutes ago he was running around on a football field.’ I was in denial, I guess.”

But now, 40 Christmases after Highland grieved the loss of Joe Casper, the community is rejoicing. It is celebrating Matthew Newman’s spirit, courage and resolve, and joining with his family in marveling at the far-flung recognition of it.

My father, Howard Underwood, drove Joe Casper to school on his bus and coached him in youth sports. When he learned of Joe’s death he did something I hadn’t before seen, he cried.

Were Dad here today — he drove Matthew’s grandfather, Dave Newman, to school — he would no doubt consider Matthew and what he has done over the past three-plus months.

And I’m sure he’d cry again.

• Roger Underwood can be reached at 509-577-7694 or runderwood@yakimaherald.com