Pole struck Hartland High athlete's eye as he vaults

Alex Lindahl, a Hartland High School student, received 40 stitches in his eye after the student's pole snapped while pole vaulting, striking his orbital bone Tuesday afternoon.

The incident took place during the pole vault event at the Larry Steeb Memorial Track & Field Meet of Champions at Al Ritt Stadium in Dexter.

He was treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon at around 3:30 p.m.

"Luckily, doctors were able to fix his eye, but it's whether or not his vision will fully be back to normal is the question," said Jason Reck, Hartland athletic director. "We are fortunate that the Dexter coaches reacted so quick to rush him to the hospital and that University of Michigan acted as quickly as they did."

Poles used for pole vaulting are typically made of carbon fiber or fiberglass — both of which allow the pole to slightly bend.

Reck said poles breaking is not uncommon; however, they aren't an everyday occurrence.

"I think it also matters where the pole breaks, if it does," Reck said.

Lindahl was back home Wednesday afternoon following surgery.

"It's a sad and unfortunate accident, and we hope he has a fast recovery," Reck said.

Lindahl has participated in track and field at Hartland for four years and is a graduating senior this year.

Contact Livingston Daily education reporter Abby Welsh at 517-552-2848 or at awelsh@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @abby_welshLD.