Sideline Hit Leads To Splenectomy At Phoenix Game

The Missoula Phoenix are very happy to report that local Hellgate High School photographer Skylar Wallen is recovering after having her spleen removed after a sideline collision during the Phoenix v Bearcat game Saturday in Boulder. Skylar was crushed by quarterback Nick Arnold while receiving a blatant late hit by the Boulder defenseman in the second quarter of the game. After leaving the game and driving home from Boulder, Sklyar was brought to St. Patrick Hospital with severe abdominal pain for observation. Doctors found 1 pint of blood in her stomach and rushed her into

the operating room to remove her spleen. She is doing well and on the road to recovery.

The Phoenix earned their first win of the 2012 season in convincing style this weekend, beating the Helena Bearcats 46-6 to even their record at 1-1 and move up to 3rd

place in the RMFL Standings. The team will have a bye this week and then will

travel to Billings to take on the Billings Bullets (1-0). The Phoenix next home game will be Saturday May, 19 vs the very same Bullets. My interview with Phoenix owner Michael Burks is below. Click to listen.