Arizona State University has launched a review of outdoor training practices after hockey player Matthew Mayich was hospitalised when he collapsed during a team workout on 20 August.
Mayich fell shortly before 8.30am at Sun Angel Stadium on the university’s Tempe campus, during the first day of a planned three-day team-building event. He was initially responsive, but his condition deteriorated before emergency medical services arrived.
ASU said the workout took place between about 7am and 8.30am, with temperatures ranging from 86F to 89F (30C to 32C) and humidity between 46 and 51 per cent. The session included calisthenics, bodyweight exercises such as push-ups and planks, and running.
The university’s initial review found that Mayich appeared to struggle while running with a medicine ball before stumbling and falling. An athletic trainer applied iced towels and cool water, moved him towards a shaded area and called 911.
ASU said all three hockey coaches and the team’s athletic trainer were present, along with Timothy Ziesel, who had previously spoken to the team about leadership and teamwork. The coaching staff had requested permission for him to address the players but had not submitted a detailed training plan to the university’s strength and conditioning coaches before the event.
The university said it had interviewed 20 people as part of its review or the separate police investigation. Student-athletes have been invited to share information, with ASU saying retaliation against anyone who raises concerns will not be tolerated.
James Rund, ASU’s senior vice-president for educational outreach and student services, has recommended creating a multidisciplinary expert panel to examine the planning, supervision and monitoring of outdoor activities, emergency responses and the use of outside consultants.
The ASU Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse as it would any serious injury on campus. Its report is expected to be provided to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for independent review when the investigation is complete.
ASU said it would publish any policies and practices adopted or amended following the panel’s recommendations. Mayich remains hospitalised, according to the university’s earlier statements.
