Injury Sidelines UI’s Top Runner

Joel Thomas, the University of Idaho’s senior running back, has been lost for the season after suffering a posterior dislocation of his right knee during the Vandals’ loss at Air Force Academy last Saturday.

“I’ve been hurt before,” said Thomas, who, in his career at Idaho, has had a broken foot, surgery to repair torn knee cartilage and a dislocated finger.

“That was the most pain I’ve been in playing football.”

Surgery is expected once the swelling has been reduced. Trainer Barrie Steele said it may take as long as 2-4 weeks before Thomas can face surgery.

Thomas’ loss, clearly, is a big one. He led the Vandals in rushing last year and was in pursuit of Sherriden May’s all-time records.

“Obviously, it hurts when you lose a player the quality of Joel Thomas,” coach Chris Tormey said.

“He brings a lot to this football team - not only in terms of his productivity on the field but his leadership in the locker room.

“But injuries are part of football. This creates an opportunity for Jerome Thomas, Laki Ah Hi and Willie Alderson to show what they can do.”

For Thomas, the waiting game begins now to see what lies in store for him.

“Right now I’m waiting until this surgery to find out the severity and see how long I have to wait before I can get back on it,” Thomas said Sunday afternoon. “It’s disappointing. I didn’t want my senior year to be like this.”

, DataTimes