Texas A&M; Kicker Dies After Collapse

James Glenn, a freshman kicker for Texas A&M;, collapsed before practice Wednesday and died later at a College Station hospital, school officials said.

Glenn, 19, a walk-on from Clear Creek High in League City, was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m., CDT, at Humana Hospital-Brazos Valley, said Alan Cannon, Texas A&M; sports information director.

“Words cannot describe the pain and sorrow felt by the football team, coaching staff andthe entire Texas A&M; family at the loss of this fine young man,” Coach R.C. Slocum said. “His family is in our thoughts and prayers.”

Cannon said Glenn, 5 feet 11 and 167 pounds, was “just loosening up” before practice when he collapsed.

Coaches notified the university’s health center and workers began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation until an ambulance arrived.

“James received immediate attention from the Texas A&M; training staff,” said Jesse Parr, a team physician.

“They were performing CPR just as soon as the young man dropped. Once he was in the ambulance, they continued trying to revive him. But he never regained consciousness,” Cannon said.

Cannon said there was no indication that there was any drug use involved.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, Cannon said.

“James was a super young man,” kicking coach John Pearce said. “His high school coach called us and told us he was an outstanding person, as well as an outstanding athlete. He was correct. James was a dedicated young man who set his goals and worked hard to achieve those goals. One of those goals was to kick for Texas A&M.;”

Glenn had kicked off three times last week against Tulsa but had not attempted a field goal or extra point.

Most of the players hadn’t yet reached the field Wednesday when Glenn was taken to the hospital. Slocum canceled practice for the day, but the Aggies (1-1) are expected to play Saturday’s game against Southwestern Louisiana as scheduled.

Last September, a 19-year-old Baylor lineman John Karkoska collapsed while running wind sprints during practice and later died.