Colville football player undergoes brain surgery

For the second time in three weeks, an area high school football player has undergone surgery following a brain injury sustained in a game.

Colville coach Randy Cornwell said wide receiver/defensive back Austin Pete is recovering at Sacred Heart Medical Center following weekend surgery to remove a clot and clean up bleeding on the side of the brain.

After reviewing film, Cornwell said coaches can’t point to a particular instance when he might have suffered a concussion. Late in the game he was sandwiched by West Valley defenders on a passing play in Friday’s 38-22 loss.

Pete came off the field prior to an extra-point attempt complaining of a leg injury, which was in reality loss of feeling in his leg, Cornwell said.

When medical personnel recognized the symptoms, he was taken to Mt. Carmel Hospital, less than a mile from Colville’s football field. After a CAT scan revealed a small bleed, he was airlifted to Sacred Heart for surgery.

Cornwell said the two-year starter had no previous history of a concussion.

“All indications we’re getting is he is progressing fine at this point,” Cornwell said Tuesday.

Valley Christian’s Drew Swank died from a brain injury suffered in a Sept. 25 game against LaCrosse-Washtucna-Kahlotus.