Jorgen’s Senior Season: An ACL Injury and the Road to Recovery

For Jorgen Brekken, sports have always been a big part of life.

A 2026 graduate of St. James High School, Jorgen played football, basketball, golf and baseball throughout high school, including summer Senior Legion Baseball. Basketball has always been his favorite, but he found something to enjoy in every sport.

“I’ve enjoyed being part of great teams with great coaches and being able to grow in my abilities as an athlete,” Jorgen said.

Jorgen's dedication to athletics was recognized throughout his high school career. He earned athletic letters and Spotlight on Scholarship awards in football, basketball and baseball, and was named Most Improved Player in football and the charge leader in basketball during his junior year. In his senior year, he received baseball's Hardest Worker award.

That made his senior year especially meaningful. It was also the year an unexpected injury put his athletic career on pause.

A Senior Season Interrupted

During St. James’ third football game of the season against Lester Prairie, Jorgen was playing on the defensive line. With the game nearly over, he pass-rushed the right tackle. As he made a stab step and made contact with the tackle, his knee bent inward.

Then came a loud pop.

“When the play was over, the coaches and trainers came over. My knee was swollen and I couldn’t straighten it,” Jorgen said.

The following day, Jorgen’s knee remained swollen and painful, so his parents took him to urgent care. An MRI was ordered, and he was referred to Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, where he met Dr. Scott Allen.

The diagnosis was an ACL injury.

For Jorgen and his family, the news was difficult to hear. He had spent years playing sports and was looking forward to finishing his high school career, particularly getting back on the basketball court.

“When we met with Dr. Allen for the first time and were told the findings again, all our hearts sank,” Jorgen’s mom, Ashley, said. “I could see Jorgen’s pain and felt broken knowing he was not going to play the games he loved.”

Confidence in Jorgen’s Care

Jorgen said his first appointment with Dr. Allen helped give him a positive outlook.

Dr. Allen explained the injury and walked Jorgen and his family through the treatment options, including the pros and cons of each. Just as importantly, Jorgen felt that Dr. Allen took the time to speak directly to him and make sure he understood what was happening.

“He talked to me at my level about my surgery and the treatment plan,” Jorgen said. “He took the time to be sure I was comfortable and understood everything and listened to me.”

For Ashley, seeing her son feel comfortable with his surgeon made a significant difference.

“Knowing your child feels his care matters, he is comfortable, confident in his surgeon and his team speaks volumes,” she said.

Jorgen ultimately underwent ACL surgery with Dr. Allen and began working toward recovery right away.

Physical Therapy Close to Home

After surgery, Jorgen completed physical therapy close to home in St. James so he could continue attending school. His physical therapists worked with him throughout his recovery, while Dr. Allen’s team at OFC continued to follow his progress.

For Jorgen, recovery became a personal challenge.

He set goals for himself and pushed to regain his strength. There was work to do not only during physical therapy, but at home as well.

“It took a lot of work not only in Physical Therapy, but at home as well to get my strength back,” Jorgen said.

Ashley watched that commitment firsthand.

“He pushed himself; he set goals for himself and made it a personal mission to be ahead of the game,” she said. “Jorgen never complained about not being able to play. He never complained about any pain or being tired from pushing through Physical Therapy. He took everything in stride, and I couldn’t be more proud of how much he put into his recovery.”

Finding Ways to Stay Involved

Although Jorgen couldn't finish his senior football season on the field, he stayed involved with his team, cheering on his teammates and helping players on the field and sidelines.

Basketball was more difficult.

“Basketball was a tough one to not be on the court for,” Jorgen said.

As his recovery progressed and he was cleared to get off crutches, he was able to become more involved with the team. Toward the end of the season, he was even able to participate in light warmups.

Then came a moment Jorgen won't forget.

On senior night, he suited up and made the first basket of the game in an orchestrated play with the visiting team.

“It felt amazing to be in uniform, on our home court with the team, coaches, family and fans,” Jorgen said. “That meant everything.”

His recovery also allowed him to return to baseball later in the school year. By the end of April, he was able to play some outfield. In his final high school home game, he stepped up to bat for the first and last time of the season, recording a hit and an RBI.

Looking Ahead

Jorgen's ACL injury changed his senior year, but it also gave him a new perspective on what it takes to be an athlete.

“After the surgery for the ACL injury and going through recovery, I’ve learned how much time, effort and commitment goes into playing sports and being physically fit to play,” he said.

Now a St. James High School graduate, Jorgen plans to continue playing summer league baseball with St. James and find opportunities to play basketball. He is focused on continuing his recovery and returning to the level of activity he had before his injury.

Looking back on his experience, Jorgen said he is grateful for the care he received from Dr. Allen and the OFC team.

“I couldn’t have been happier that Dr. Allen was my surgeon,” he said. “From the first surgery through the recovery process, Dr. Allen and the staff at OFC have been phenomenal.”

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Get Back to What You Love

Our sports medicine team provides evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for athletes of all ages, helping you understand your injury and plan your next steps.

If an injury takes you out of the game, getting the right care can help you understand what happened and what comes next. Our sports medicine team provides evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation for athletes of all ages, including ACL and other ligament injuries, fractures, sprains and joint injuries.