Wake Forest Athletics
Mauk Undergoes Successful Shoulder Surgery
10/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 12, 2006
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest junior quarterback Benjamin Mauk underwent successful surgery on Thursday at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. The surgery, performed by Dr. David Martin, repaired the soft tissue surrounding Mauk's throwing shoulder.
Mauk broke his right arm and dislocated his right shoulder in the season opener on September 2. He underwent an initial surgery the week after the injury occurred to repair and stabilize the arm.
Thursday's arthroscopic shoulder surgery puts Mauk on track for a three-month rehabilitation process.
"A broken humerus and dislocated shoulder is a rare combination, but Ben is healing faster than anticipated," Martin said. "I was happy with how the surgery went. This will help him rehabilitate both his shoulder and his arm at the same time."
Mauk's injury occurred in the third quarter of Wake Forest's season opener against Syracuse with the score tied at 10. Mauk attempted to recover a fumble by diving head first after the loose ball. The Deacons recovered the fumble and two plays later, kicked the go-ahead field goal.
"It was the most courageous thing I have seen out of a quarterback, ever," head coach Jim Grobe said after the game.
Mauk left the game having completed 14 of 21 passes for 105 yards and one touchdown. He led the Deacons on a 15-play, 96-yard scoring march on the first drive of the season. Mauk went 6-for-8 on that drive for 54 yards to five different receivers. The Deacons also converted three third down opportunities including a 14-yard touchdown pass to Willie Idlette.
In Mauk's absence, redshirt freshman Riley Skinner has played quarterback. The Deacons are 5-1 and travel to NC State for Saturday's contest.
