McMinnville Football Disaster: 14 HS Players Hospitalized After Workout

McMinnville High School is searching for answers after 14 football players were hospitalized following a training camp workout.

The players shared symptoms of a soft-tissue condition known as rhabdomyolysis, also known as "compartment syndrome."

Three players needed surgery to eliminate the swelling caused by the condition, and four players remained in the hospital Sunday night to continue treatment for symptoms that began after the workout on August 15.

Here's a closer look at the mysterious events in Oregon.

Players Trying To Impress New Coach at Workouts

Members of the McMinnville Football team had been gathered at the school for a week long training camp session that involved intense workouts.

The combination of intense physical exertion, high heat and dehydration likely triggered a reaction that led to 14 players being admitted to the hospital.

The Oregonian reported that at least 30 players were sent to the hospital for examinations.

The Prognosis

All players are expected to make a full and complete recovery and will likely be able to return to the gridiron unless the symptoms persist.

McMinnville canceled the remainder of the week-long training camp session after the illnesses began to ravage the team.

Fall practice officially begins Monday afternoon.

What Is Compartment Syndrome?

Compartment Syndrome occurs when the compression of nerves and blood vessels within an enclosed space increases.

Muscle and nerve problems often result from the increased swelling, which can also reduce blood flow and cause major circulation problems.

What Was The Cause?

According to The Oregonian, doctors have submitted blood samples for testing in an effort to learn if the players had consumed any supplements that could have led to the symptoms, including creatine.

All of the players denied taking any dietary supplements, but the case won't be closed until the results from the test are received later this week.

The investigation into the matter isn't expect to conclude until the end of the week at the earliest.

Was It a Freak Accident or Excessive Workout Demands?

First-year head coach Jeff Kearin has made it known to his players that the individuals who work the hardest will see the field. According to several players who commented on the matter, the statement has led players to exert themselves in workouts.

Kearin and the McMinnville District have remained fairly quiet as the incident continues to be investigated. The coach admitted that his silence might be mistaken for guilt, but said that he believed he had done nothing wrong.

A parent of a player told The Oregonian that the coach prevented his team from drinking water until they had completed drills and forced them to train indoors without air conditioning.

The temperature in McMinnville was in the lower 90s last week.