Aquinas RB Chase Young taken to hospital after collapsing on the field; game called with Trojans up 25-8

NOTE: Young has now been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Please see our latest story by clicking here. Below is the original story from Friday night.

St Thomas Aquinas star running back Chase Young was taken to a local hospital in Elizabeth Friday night after he collapsed with about 2:30 left in the third quarter.

Aquinas Athletic Director Jerry Smith says Young seemed fine at halftime. Smith had been talking to him during the break and trainers were stretching him out with no apparent issues before the second half began.

But as seen on the Hudl livestream of the game, as Young was standing around after a running play where he was tackled by several Elizabeth players on the field late in the third quarter – a routine football play. He got up, walked back to the area around the line of scrimmage, and was standing when he collapsed onto the field out of nowhere.

Smith says trainers had to revive Young as he was without a pulse for about 15 to 20 seconds.

However, Smith says Young was awake and conscious and responsive as he was put into an ambulance. 

Head coach Tarig Holman told NJ.com he’s alert, in the hospital, and that doctors are running tests. He didn’t speculate as to a cause

Smith says both teams were visibly distraught, the athletic directors met, and decided to suspend the game with the Trojans winning 25-8.  Smith said Friday night that would be the final score, and that the rest of the game will not be continued, however NJ.com reported that Elizabeth AD Ben Candelino said an official decision would be made Saturday.

The Aquinas football program sadly has been no stranger to tragedy.  In March 2022 head football coach Brian Meeney died of an apparent heart attack on his way to school at the age of 46.

Smith says counselors will be on hand in school, even as Young may be recovering, to assist students in any way they need.