St. Maries Wrestler Injured In Wreck

St. Maries freshman Vern Malensky, one of Idaho’s top young high school wrestlers, will miss the state tournament after being injured in a car accident Monday.

Malensky, seeded third at 112 pounds, suffered a slight concussion and several cuts and bruises.

The accident occurred before school Monday. Malensky, 15, was attempting to pass another vehicle in his 1990 Mazda truck, according to police. He lost control and the truck went off the right shoulder on State Highway 3 near St. Maries. It overturned, hit a tree and overturned again.

Authorities said Malensky was fortunate to survive. He reportedly wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was thrown out of the truck.

Malensky, who carries a 4.0 grade-point average, spent Monday night in Benewah Community Hospital in St. Maries and was transfered to Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene Tuesday.

Idaho allows 15-year-olds to drive with a daylight license after completing a driver’s education course.

Malensky won the A-2 District I-II title at 112 last weekend.

, DataTimes