MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A former member of the West Virginia University wrestling team will return to campus on Feb. 17 to talk about the dangers of alcohol abuse and appreciating the little things in life – lessons he unfortunately had to learn the hard way.

Mike Wojcik, a 2007 graduate of WVU with a degree in physical education and health, was preparing to start his career as a middle school teacher when he was involved in an ATV accident. He was the passenger on the ATV, and both he and the driver had been drinking. Neither was wearing an appropriate helmet when the ATV crashed into a tree.

Wojcik suffered severe head trauma and internal injuries. After months of physical therapy and rehabilitation, he was able to regain some functioning. He is still unable to eat or speak without assistance and has limited use of his left hand.

Since his accident, Wojcik has become committed to telling his story through the use of technology and multimedia in the hopes that others will not make similar mistakes. In addition to speaking on college campuses, he maintains an internet blog (www.messagefrommike.webs.com) and is working on a book about his struggles.

“We hope that Mike’s moving story will emphasize the importance of safety and responsibility when making the decision to drink alcohol,” Ruth Kershner, Ed.D., professor in the WVU Department of Community Medicine and alcohol educator for the WVU School of Medicine, said.

Wojcik’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballroom.

The event is sponsored by the WVU Department of Community Medicine, the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, the WVU Office of Student Affairs, WVU Greek Life, WELL WVU and the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program.