At the Junior Varsity football game versus Johnson City on October 22, Sophomore Elpido “Petey” Chalico suffered severe trauma to the head following a head to head blow and a subsequent fall that caused his head to hit the ground. Finishing the game, Chalico complained of a severe headache and said that he felt as if his head would explode.

Coach Balmos requested emergency care for Chalico. He was immediately transported to North Central Baptist and then sent directly to Children’s Medical Center in San Antonio for emergency surgery.

At Children’s Medical Center, doctors preformed surgery on the right side of his brain, where it was discovered that a major artery had been severed in two places, causing blood to build up, which caused swelling and pressure in his head. Chalico received thirty staples.

Recovery for Chalico will include physical therapy to help rebuild motor skills on his left side and will be a long road.

According to doctors, Petey will be unable to play sports competitively.

UPDATE: A BBQ Benefit will be held for Petey on Sunday, December 13 at Yett Park. It will start at 12 noon and will continue until sold out. There will also be a silent auction from 12 noon until 2:00pm. For more information, call Todd at 830-833-5868 or Clarence at 830-833-4303. To donate items for the auction, call Jeana at 830-385-9615. All proceeds will go to the family for medical bills. A benefit account for Petey has also been set up at Security State Bank & Trust.