Valparaiso men’s basketball head coach Bryce Drew announced today that Tommy Kurth (Osceola, Ind./Penn) has been deemed medically unable to compete and will no longer be able to play for the Crusaders. Kurth will remain on scholarship to complete his degree from Valparaiso, but will not count against the program’s scholarship limit.

“After a hard year of complications, two surgeries, and a tough summer of rehab, I am no longer able to perform at my highest level of play required for the Division I level,” said Kurth. “Although I will be unable to compete on the court, I will continue to be a part of the team and program.”

Kurth started 23 of the 31 games he appeared in as a true freshman despite battling foot injuries throughout the season. He underwent surgery on his foot following his freshman campaign and sat out the 2010-2011 season as a medical redshirt. Last season, Kurth played in 13 games, but played just twice after December 17 as he battled internal complications. After offseason surgery and a summer spent trying to recuperate and train into playing shape, it was deemed that Kurth would be unable to practice or compete for the Crusader men’s basketball team.

"Tommy has been battling health problems for the last couple of years and sadly he will not be physically able to compete for our basketball program," said Drew. "He has shown a tremendous amount of courage dealing with these health problems during his playing career at Valpo and has helped our program win games and improve in many different ways. His health and future are most important, and and even though he can not compete physically, we look forward to having him remain part of our program."