Monkton, Vermont – Members of a Vermont high school wrestling team and a coach were seriously injured in a weekend car crash that occurred while they were returning home from a tournament. Authorities say winter road conditions played a major role in the collision, which sent multiple people to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
Incident Overview
The crash involved three Mount Anthony Union High School wrestlers and an assistant wrestling coach from Bennington, according to officials. The incident happened on Saturday, January 17, and prompted an immediate response from emergency crews and state police.
School officials later confirmed that student-athletes and a coach required medical treatment following the accident.
Timeline of Events
According to Vermont State Police, troopers responded to a reported two-vehicle crash on Bristol Road in Monkton at approximately 5:35 p.m. Saturday.
Investigators determined that a 2025 GMC Yukon XL, traveling northbound, lost control due to snowy and slushy road conditions. The vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, where it struck a southbound 2017 Toyota Tacoma.
Details From Police
The GMC Yukon XL was driven by Chao Xu, 35, of McLean, Virginia, while the Toyota Tacoma was operated by Christopher Glaski, 53, of Bennington, an assistant wrestling coach at Mount Anthony Union High School. The three wrestlers were passengers in Glaski’s vehicle.
State police said the collision caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
“Each vehicle was suspected to be traveling at moderate speeds, and both vehicles’ airbags deployed as a result of the crash,” Vermont State Police reported.
Injuries Reported
Officials confirmed that Xu and three passengers in the Yukon sustained minor injuries. In the Tacoma, Glaski and one wrestler suffered moderate injuries, while two other wrestlers sustained serious injuries.
The two seriously injured students were transported to University of Vermont Medical Center for advanced medical care.
Team Was Returning From Tournament
According to information shared by The Bennington Banner, the Mount Anthony Union wrestlers were returning home from a two-day Essex High School wrestling tournament at the time of the crash.
The Mount Greylock Wrestling program shared a public message of support following the incident.
“The coaching staff and team would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the Mt. Anthony wrestling team, Mount Anthony community and to the families of those involved in a horrible motor vehicle accident.”
School District Response
Katie West, public information coordinator for the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union, confirmed the incident in a statement but said further details could not be released.
“The accident resulted in student-athletes and a coach being transported to a nearby emergency medical center.”
In a joint statement from the supervisory union and Mount Anthony Union High School, officials emphasized support for students and staff.
“We understand that this news is upsetting, and we will have support in place for students and staff available starting on Tuesday.”
Community and Wrestling World React
The crash has deeply affected the local and regional wrestling community. Bennington Tri-State Wrestling issued a statement calling for unity and support.
“The wrestling community has always come together in times of toughness and despair, and we ask today that the wrestling community keep MAU coaches, athletes, friends and families in your thoughts and/or prayers.”
Mount Anthony Union wrestling is one of Vermont’s most successful programs, having won 36 state championships throughout its history, making the incident especially impactful for the community.
Road Safety Reminder
Authorities are reminding drivers to use extra caution during winter weather, particularly on rural roads where snow and slush can quickly lead to loss of control. Slower speeds, increased following distance, and winter-ready vehicles can significantly reduce the risk of serious crashes.
Conclusion
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as the Mount Anthony Union community rallies around the injured students and coach. Officials continue to urge patience and respect for privacy while recovery efforts continue.
If you have been affected by a similar incident or have experience navigating winter road safety in Vermont, share your experiences in the comments below.
