Basketball Star Meek Is Struck by Car, Hurt

Erik Meek, The Times’ high school basketball Player of the Year and a three-time all-county pick, is home recovering from several injuries sustained Sunday night when struck by a car.

Meek was jogging home from a friend’s house along Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido when he was hit from behind and hurled forward into a sign post.

The car was driven by William Froebe, 33, of Fallbrook, according to the CHP.

A CHP spokesman said Froebe was booked into the Vista jail on charges of felony drunken driving and later released on bail.

Meek, who will attend Duke on a basketball scholarship, was treated for a puncture in the left thigh and a stress fracture in his left shoulder. He also had to have stitches sewn into the back of his head and is still experiencing swelling in one of his calves.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski on Tuesday phoned Meek and told him his scholarship will be there whether he is able to play or is sidelined. Meek fully expects to play.

“My doctor just said when I start getting better, then to start working out again,” Meek said. “I’m doing all right and it will be just a matter of time until I heal.”

At the time of impact, Meek blacked out.

“I really don’t know what happened,” he said. “I was knocked out and the next thing I remember was being put into an ambulence.”

Meek averaged 30 points and 14 rebounds to help San Pasqual to a San Diego Section championship this past season. He was later named a Parade All-American.