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"My legs are gone. They're not growing back. Let's move on." These were Collin Vander Galien's words of determination, to his family, as he awoke from surgery just 3 months ago. In May 2017, Collin, a native of Randolph, Wis., volunteered to work a shift at the Didion Milling Plant in Cambria, and found himself trapped under a train car as a result of a massive explosion that killed 5 co-workers and wounded countless others. Yet, he considers himself fortunate because he was kept alive by having his legs amputated amidst the rubble and flames burning around him.

A member of Randolph High School's 2011 State Championship basketball team, and the team's co-captain the following year, Collin has recently taken his first steps using prosthetic legs, the first of many goals that he has set for himself. Ripon College is proud to announce that they will be hosting a 3-on-3 tournament for multiple divisions on Saturday, October 14 to raise money to offset the costs of ongoing therapy and medical treatments needed to return Collin to the active lifestyle he's known all his life. The tournament will be held at the newly renovated Willmore Center, located at 504 South Union Street on the campus of Ripon College.

The entry fee for each four-person team is $100, with all checks made payable to Collin Vander Galien. Each team must complete the registration form and submit that with payment by October 9, 2017 to Accurate Controls, Attention: Collin Vander Galien; 326 Blackburn Street; Ripon, Wis. 54971. You may also register online with PayPal at https://www.cognitoforms.com/GetBackInTheGame1/TournamentRegistrationForm. There is an additional $5 fee for online registration. All participants will receive a free T-Shirt.

The Tournament is split into boys and girls divisions and includes third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, eighth grade, high school 9th-10th, high school 11th-12th, just for fun 28 years old and under, top tier, and over the hill 28 and older. Each team is guaranteed to play three games. Tournament times are to be determined. Grades 3-6 will begin later in the day to accommodate Saturday morning football and soccer games.

Students may move up one grade level to further challenge themselves if they choose and the tournament director may combine two age groups in order to fill a bracket. The girl's high school division may be combined with adult women if necessary. Student players do not have to be from the same school and proof of age must be available upon request. Each team must bring a basketball, but a game ball will be provided on each court, along with a score keeper and an official. There will also be a 3-point contest, which will cost an additional $2 per person, if interested.

Collin's drive and competitive nature come as no surprise to those who know this basketball player, student of the game, and gym rat who loves the game of basketball. Your love for the game of basketball will help Collin "Move on" and "Get Back in the Game", and your support will help Collin take his next steps to pursue his new dreams.

Below are some links to articles about Collin and his recovery:

Cambria Mill Explosion Victim Gets Lift From Family, Friends, New Legs

Cambria Survivors Speak Out About Didion Milling Explosion

Didion Mill Survivor Meets Rescuers, Doctor