Jaron Winters: Unstoppable!
On Sunday afternoon March 14th, 2021, Jaron Winters was traveling to a training session via 7th Street & Pinnacle Peak in his 2007 GMC Sierra. “I always go this way and I had no idea that the scariest moment of my life was about to happen.”
The 2023 6’3 250lb Center for Mountain Ridge High School was struck head on by a car traveling the wrong way trying to pass slower traffic. “I saw him coming at me and instead of freezing, I tried to react as if I was on the field and a blitzing LB was headed at me, I braced myself and aggressively applied the brakes.” Even with the quick thinking of Winters & his reaction. the impact was severe! A local passerby stopped to assist Jaron and immediately called Jaron’s mom Ashley Winters who is also the team photographer and he gave her the worst call of her life. Jaron’s dad Jason describes the moment; “Ashley was upstairs and ran down in tears and she said we have to go!!! The accident scene which is about 4 miles away from the Winters’ home was quickly reached by the Winters and paramedics. Phoenix Fire had already had Jaron removed from the vehicle and en route to Honor Health Deer Valley which is a Trauma 1 Center.
Upon the Winters arrival to the hospital, they were notified of the extent of the injuries (fractured tibia & fibula). As Jaron continued medical evaluation, it was also noticed that his left foot was also fractured and he suffered a perforated bowel so what started out as a broken leg surgery quickly turns into 3 surgeries. On Day 3 all surgeries seemed successful. On Day 4, Jaron began to show signs of bleeding in his abdomen. It was at this time while speaking with Jason Winters, Coach Perrone stated “I could hear the concern in his voice.”
After a successful 3 days in the ICU, the bleeding had finally stopped and all in all after Jaron’s 10 days in the hospital. He was released and began receiving at home care. Coach Perrone said “when I went to visit Jaron, I did not expect a few things that I saw; 1) him confined to a hospital bed in his living room but mostly for him to be in such great spirits.”
Jaron said the support he had received has been overwhelming. He showed off a poster from teammate Kaden Hicks & family as well the Strow Family and Jaron’s head coach Doug Madoski. Also coming to show support in home was Jaron’s trainer Ron Sowers of TBA Academy.
“I have to be strong through this. I don’t have any other options.” Jaron states as he sits on the hospital bed with his computer. “I still have school work. I need to start therapy and everything, get back on the field with my team.” Jaron went on to say “I’m going to take the positives out of this!”
“I received such great care from everyone in the hospital that it made me realize I want to pursue a career in nursing.” Coach Perrone said “He even joked with me and asked if I have any college programs that have great nursing programs.” It was at that time Coach Perrone told him “yes, as a matter of fact Mayville State University which My Recruits has worked closely with over the years has a TOP nursing program.” Coach Perrone called Mayville State Head Coach Rocky Larson and told him Jaron’s story. Not only was he impressed with Jaron’s ability on the field but with Jaron’s character, positive attitude & spirit and offered him a football scholarship. It has also come to our attention that Jaron’s Head Coach Doug Madoski who is also Head Coach for the local junior college team The Maricopa Mustangs has extended Jaron with a scholarship!
“We had the chance to catch up with Jaron’s grandfather Bob Burns who was in town for several weeks from Park City, Utah to help out. Bob and his wife Becky were there to provide as much support as they could while Jason and Ashley were alternating shifts.”
Jaron is in the process of a full recovery and has started in home physical therapy. His goal is to get back on the Mountain Ridge High School Football Field with his teammates by August to pick up where he left off but stronger than ever!
By Nicole Amperse
