Takedown Report

From the Mat to the Mind: How a Career-Ending Injury Transformed a Duke Wrestler’s Future

DURHAM, N.C.– Upon recruitment to Duke, many Division I student-athletes dream of their first game, breaking collegiate records and even becoming an All-American. However, for junior Cameron Morgan the day of his first match changed the course of his athletic career. 
During Morgan’s freshman year while warming up for his debut match with the Duke wrestling team at The Citadel, an impact on his head aggravated a familiar spinal cord pain – a pain that had started during his senior year of high school.  
In a high school wrestling practice, Morgan landed hard on his head, triggering a wave of pain that spread to his arms. After the incident, he visited a doctor, who couldn’t identify the exact cause of the pain. The injury was classified as a “stinger,” a condition where nerves in the neck and shoulder compressed upon impact. Despite this injury, Morgan persevered, underwent physical therapy and was recruited by Duke. 
On campus, he continued preventative rehab as a freshman. However, at practice early in the season, another wrestler caught Morgan in a throw called the “fireman’s carry” move. The move slipped and Morgan landed sharply on his head. Following the impact, Morgan experienced immediate tightness in his back and lost sensation in his arm … more at … https://goduke.com/news/2025/5/7/wrestling-from-the-mat-to-the-mind-how-a-career-ending-injury-transformed-a-duke-wrestlers-future

May 9, 2025 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized