MEDINA, Ohio -
A Highland High School football player is hospitalized in critical condition, after suffering a serious spinal cord injury Friday night. Monday afternoon, the senior defensive back underwent his second surgery.
Kory Wiita fractured three vertebrae while making a tackle on second half kickoff of Highland's final regular season game against rival, Cloverleaf High School.
His family says Kory was conscious when paramedics loaded him into an ambulance and rushed to Akron Children's Hospital.
Wiita was in surgery for more than three hours Saturday. Doctors inserted several pins into his spine, and say the operation went well.
Doctors sedated Wiita, and he is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator.
He has been surrounded by family members -- including his parents, and siblings, and an older brother who rushed home from Florida.
Monday morning, students posted large banners along the fence at the Highland football field.
Highland principal Pete Ulrich tells Fox 8 News that his prayers are with Kory and the Wiita family.
The Wiita family has set up a web page to keep family and friends updated on Kory's condition. Kory's family says he is getting stronger and better each day. He is also communicating despite having a breathing tube. The family also says they are so thankful for all the prayers and good wishes.
The Hornets will start their playoff run this Friday on the road.
Stay with FOX8.com for the latest updates on Kory Wiita's condition. If you'd like to leave an encouraging message for Kory, CLICK HERE.
Kory Wiita fractured three vertebrae while making a tackle on second half kickoff of Highland's final regular season game against rival, Cloverleaf High School.
His family says Kory was conscious when paramedics loaded him into an ambulance and rushed to Akron Children's Hospital.
Wiita was in surgery for more than three hours Saturday. Doctors inserted several pins into his spine, and say the operation went well.
Doctors sedated Wiita, and he is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator.
He has been surrounded by family members -- including his parents, and siblings, and an older brother who rushed home from Florida.
Monday morning, students posted large banners along the fence at the Highland football field.
Highland principal Pete Ulrich tells Fox 8 News that his prayers are with Kory and the Wiita family.
The Wiita family has set up a web page to keep family and friends updated on Kory's condition. Kory's family says he is getting stronger and better each day. He is also communicating despite having a breathing tube. The family also says they are so thankful for all the prayers and good wishes.
The Hornets will start their playoff run this Friday on the road.
Stay with FOX8.com for the latest updates on Kory Wiita's condition. If you'd like to leave an encouraging message for Kory, CLICK HERE.
