Dassel-Cokato Athlete Suffers Head Injury In Game, Has Part Of Skull Removed

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) - A Dassel-Cokato high school linebacker who collapsed on the field unconscious during a game is responding to doctors and family members following surgery for a serious head injury.

According to Perry Thenison, Dassel-Cokato K-12 school's activities director, Luke Nelson was hurt Saturday night during a football game.

Thenison says Nelson, 16, is resting after undergoing surgery Saturday night, and is active and alert. During surgery, a portion of Nelson's skull was removed to help reduce brain swelling.

The teen's relatives posted on his CaringBridge webpage later Saturday that he had regained consciousness and was "even cracking a few jokes."

Nelson was injured making a tackle during Friday night's home game against Orono. Orono coach Jeff Weiland says he reviewed game film and it appears Nelson stayed on the field for several plays after he was injured and before he collapsed.

"He didn't get up with everyone else," Thenison said.

Nelson is expected to make a full recovery.

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