Maize South High School junior Blake Mertes is a key football player for his team, but a serious injury would force Mertes to complete physical therapy at Advanced Physical Therapy.
“I had a 100 percent tear of my PCL,” said Mertes. “At Advanced PT, I liked how much fun I had while I was there. Jill and Joanne were super nice and positive with me.”
His work with Advanced PT has allowed Mertes to continue to improve. His goal is to return for his senior year and play with his teammates.
“Thanks to Advanced PT, I’ve made amazing strides in recovering. The tear has healed but the knee will never be as stable as it used to. I’ve gotten back in the weight room and am trying to get as close as I can to what I was lifting before I got injured,” said Mertes. “Seeing half of my junior football season go by was tough for me. I always felt guilty during practice watching everyone out there working hard.”
Being a member of the varsity football team is something special to Mertes. The family atmosphere and the ribbing that comes with it are all part of the process for Mertes. The school and community come together to support their student-athletes.
“Maize South takes pride in being a family, and just like any family the guys gave me a lot of crap for being the ball-boy on the sideline while they were playing. Can’t wait to be out there battling with them next season,” said Mertes.
Mertes is focused on getting back to 100 percent and working his way back onto the field for his final year, but he’s also thinking about life after high school and what that will look like.
“My plans after graduation are currently to enlist in the Air National Guard to pay for college at Kansas State,” said Mertes.
Away from his workouts and schoolwork, Mertes enjoys spending time with friends and playing XBOX. Mertes said he wanted to thank everyone at Advanced PT for their work in helping him realize his goals.
“Thanks so much for pushing me during my recovery while also making the whole process a fun experience. I’d also like to apologize to them for showing up late to those early morning appointments,” said Mertes.
