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Area shows support for injured Jersey Shore player

By Matthew Courter 3 min read

Jersey Shore is a tight-knit community where residents have put their unity on display following the collapse of Bulldogs' senior defensive lineman Max Engle near the end of their Friday night game against Selinsgrove.

Engle was taken to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, and the game was called as a tie.

"21-21 is the least of your concerns when you see a young man go down like that and go out in an ambulance," Selinsgrove coach Derek Hicks told The Daily Item.

In a Facebook post, the family asked for privacy, writing, "we would like to thank everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. PLEASE keep them coming! Thank you to everyone that has reached out and offered support. We truly appreciate it in this difficult time. If we haven't gotten back to you please know we have received and appreciate your messages, our focus has just been with Max right now. We are also only sharing details with our family and friends at this time so we would appreciate the privacy. Max is so strong and is such a fighter! Please keep the prayers coming! #4."

A GoFundMe set up by Max's best friend, Liam McClain, has surpassed its initial goal of $30,000, as well as its second goal of $32,000 and currently sits at $39,392.

The Jersey Shore Area School District continues to provide support with additional counselors on hand, according to the district's Facebook page.

Additionally, the school has asked that all students wear orange today, "to show our Bulldog Spirit" and support for Max. Thursday, being the fourth day of the school week, represents Engle's jersey number.

Several school districts from around the area are also encouraging their students to dress in orange in support of Max, including Keystone Central and South Williamsport, who will hold a dress down fundraiser, according to district superintendent, Dr. Eric Briggs.

Williamsport Area School District is encouraging students at Williamsport Area High School to wear orange as well, and a number of employers in the region have encouraged their staff to wear orange today.

"The community outreach has been fantastic," said school district superintendent Dr. Brian Ulmer. "There are events popping up around the community throughout the week in terms of fundraisers. There have been outreaches to the district, and for support from multiple parts of the community. We're working internally to support the family however we can… I've received messages from around the state, reaching out and supporting the district."

As of 3 p.m., Ulmer had not received an update on Max's condition.

The Jersey Shore School District announced Wednesday that out of respect for Max and his family, the Friday night game against Shikellamy will be postponed, stating on Facebook, "we will play again, but our players and the rest of the Bulldogs need some time."

"Thank you for your continued support," the post continued, "we will release details of the game when it is finalized. Please keep Max and his family in your thoughts and prayers."

Unfortunately, Jersey Shore is no stranger to these types of events, as this brings back memories of Caleb Leone, who was injured during practice in August 2018.

Leone underwent major brain surgery after receiving a helmet to helmet hit, and spent four months in the hospital, before returning home on Dec. 20, a symbolic date, as his jersey number was #20.

The community came out in force for Caleb, as they have for Max, with several fundraisers being held throughout his recovery, as well as a "welcome home" escort.

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