Kasson-Mantorville Grad Fighting Back After Head Injury

Fargo, ND (KROC-AM News)- The 2022 Kasson-Mantorville graduate who suffered brain injury during a college football game in North Dakota had dozens of special visitors this week.

Matt Donovan suffered a brain bleed during a head-to-head hit while playing quarterback for Mayville State University. His family says he was airlifted to a hospital in Fargo for an emergency surgery.

Updates from his father Terry indicate he was placed in a medically-induced coma following the procedure.

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Mayville State Football Program Visits Matt Donovan in Fargo Hospital

In a post on Facebook Terry Donovan said 75 players and coaches from the Mayville State Football Program made the roughly 60 mile journey to visit Matt on Thursday.

Eight of the players went into Matt’s room and Terry, who coaches the La Crescent-Hokah football team, said he spoke to the rest of the team.

“I cannot say enough about that football program and that community. The support and love they have shown Matt and our entire family has been unbelievable,” he wrote.

Donovan. Credit: Support Matthew Donovan's Recovery GoFundMe

Terry also shared a moment he had with Rocky Larson, who is the head coach of Mayville State. He said Larson facetimed him because the team was holding a prayer vigil for Matt.

During the call, Matt appeared to have given a thumbs up, which prompted his college football coach to break down and start crying.

“That showed me everything I needed to know about how much that man loves my son. Football is supposed to be about a lot more than wins and losses. It is about relationships, teammates, coaches, families and communities. Over these last several days, the Mayville State family has shown us exactly what that means,” Terry wrote.

Updates on Matt's Progress

Matt’s father indicates his son’s vitals “continue to be very good.” He’s shared updates reporting neurological progress Matt has made and said his son went “1-0” on Wednesday and Thursday.

Terry said he plans to coach the Lancers in their game against Red Wing Friday night. He’ll return to his son in Fargo after the clock hits triple-zeros.

GoFundMe Surpasses $100K

The GoFundMe page established for Matt has raised over $103,000 as of Friday morning.

Funds raised will go to help cover costs associated with Donovan’s recovery along with lodging and food for his family.

During his time as KoMet, Matt was a two-time All-District, one-time All Area First-Team, two-time Captain player. He also led the KoMets to the Prep Bowl as the team’s Quarterback.