RISON - A Rison Junior High football player who became ill during a football practice last Tuesday, July 21, continues to show improvement, Cleveland County School District Superintendent Davy King said this week.
Rison High School head football coach and athletic director Chris Vereen said the player became ill following a late morning practice session, and emergency personnel responded to the fieldhouse. The student was eventually taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The condition of the student cannot be revealed due to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines. However, King did say, after visiting with the player’s parents, that the student has continued to show progress each day though he remained hospitalized this week.
As news of the medical emergency spread through the community last Wednesday, King made a post on the CCSD Rison Wildcats Facebook page to dispel some of the rumors: “I have become aware of several rumors circulating regarding a medical incident involving one of our student-athletes on Tuesday,” King wrote. “While we did have a student athlete experience a medical emergency, I want to assure our community that all district safety procedures and emergency protocols were followed. I could not be more proud of the professionalism, quick actions, and compassion shown by everyone involved.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our coaches, staff, the Cleveland County Sheriff s Office, Mainline Health, first responders, and the many community members who stepped in to help. If I began naming individuals, I know I would unintentionally leave someone out. You know who you are, and please know that your efforts made a difference. Our district is incredibly grateful for each of you.
“Most importantly, I ask our entire community to come together in prayer for this young man and his family as he continues to recover. We are thankful for the progress he has made, and we ask that you continue to keep him in y…