Erin Newcomb’s life abruptly changed just before noon on Aug. 29.
The Hauser soccer and track athlete was on her way to a C4 class in Columbus when a car struck the passenger side of the car in which she was riding. She was transported by medical helicopter to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where she was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and had several broken bones.
After spending 51 days in the hospital, Newcomb returned home just in time for her school’s fall sports banquet. With the assistance of a walker, she stood to receive a chevron for her letter jacket.
Soon after that, Newcomb returned to school. This spring, the former high jumper served as a manager for the Jets track and field teams.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Wednesday night, Newcomb was presented this year’s Josh Speidel Spirit Award winner at The Republic’s Bartholomew County Athlete of the Year Gala.
Five days ago, Newcomb graduated from Hauser High School as its salutatorian.
“It was a little disheartening for me because I have a lot of anxiety, and I worry a lot,” Newcomb said. “From sixth grade through 12th grade, I was No. 1 (in the class). So I come back from the wreck, and I go back to classes, and I get bumped down to second. So that kind of broke my heart, but I was OK with it eventually. Giving that speech, it was hard knowing that I was no longer first, but it felt great knowing that I could still get up there and give that speech.”
Newcomb is the second consecutive Hauser senior to win the Speidel Award. Tessa Sims, who now plays softball at Indiana State, was last year’s recipient.
Newcomb plans to attend IUPUC for two years with the hope of completing her nursing degree at St. Mary of the Woods College. She feels blessed to be able to do most of the things she did before her accident.
“I have been running out our elliptical at home,” she said. “My balance is still a little iffy. Stairs are not my friend.”
The Speidel Spirit Award is named after former Columbus North star and current Vermont basketball player Josh Speidel, who has battled back from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a Feb. 2, 2015 car accident. As he was the first two years the award was given, Speidel was there to present the award on Wednesday.
“I got to read her story a little and think she deserved the award,” Speidel said. “I know she has big things planned in the future, and she’s going to do big things in the future. I’m just happy that she got the award with all that she’s been through.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Josh Speidel Spirit Award winners:
2017;Levi Sallee, Columbus Christian
2018;Tessa Sims, Hauser
2019;Erin Newcomb, Hauser
[sc:pullout-text-end]
