The Central Catholic football team is headed for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) playoffs, but the team isn't thinking much about football.

Instead, they have heavy hearts for a starting running back fighting for his life after suffering an apparent stroke.

George M. Powers photo

Kyle Wilson

Kyle Wilson, a junior at Central Catholic, was in critical condition last night at Children's Hospital. Kyle collapsed while attending the McKeesport at Gateway game as a fan Thursday night.

According to Central Catholic coaches, Kyle was taken to Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville and released later that night.

On Friday morning, Kyle became ill and was taken to Children's Hospital.

"He had a stroke, but we will leave it up to the medical people to explain all the medical reasons," said Central Catholic coach Terry Totten.

Mr. Totten said Kyle's condition was not football related. Kyle practiced Monday through Thursday with the team in preparation for Friday night's game against Fox Chapel. Central Catholic offensive coordinator Dave Fleming said Kyle was "fine" in practices.

Late in Friday's game, Mr. Totten said a parent telephoned an assistant coach and informed him that Kyle's condition was critical, and many of the team's coaches and players went immediately to the hospital after the game.

Junior quarterback Dave Smyers said the entire team was at the hospital yesterday. Dave is a close friend of Kyle's and was one of a few players who were allowed in his hospital room. Kyle was unconscious.

"It's just a shock right now," Dave said. "Kyle is such a jubilant, happy person. He really lights up a room when he comes in. To see him just laying there in a hospital ... "

Kyle is 5 feet 7, 160 pounds, but teammates and coaches described him as someone with a big heart. He had moved his way into a starting role this season and was the team's second-leading rusher after the first seven games with 213 yards on 59 carries. He also scored six touchdowns.

Dave Smyers' parents, Dave and Ann Smyers, also were at the hospital yesterday.

"The kids are just devastated," Ann Smyers said. "But to see all those players at that hospital, joined in hands and praying ... "

Mr. Fleming, who nearly died of bacterial meningitis years ago, spoke with Kyle's parents at the hospital yesterday.

"I told his parents that 14 years ago they told my parents that I might have only two hours to live," Mr. Fleming said. "So you can pray for a miracle."

Mr. Totten said, "Kyle is a great kid. He was very much the personality of our team. He was really coming into his own as our feature back."

Central Catholic finished the regular season with a 7-2 record and qualified for the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs, which begin next weekend.

"Obviously, we canceled our junior varsity game for [yesterday]," Mr. Totten said. "I don't know how you can give these kids back the edge to play football. If you counted me in a poll right now at 1:30 [yesterday] afternoon, our season is over. But I don't know what decision will be made on that."

Dave Smyers Jr. said the team wants to play in the playoffs.

"We really haven't been thinking about football too much," he said. "But speaking for the team, I think we would all want to play for Kyle and his honor. I know I'm speaking for a high percentage of the team."

Mr. Fleming said, "Being around football and team sports, you either rally or you've had enough. I would like to think our kids, while obviously grieving, would really know what Kyle would want. One of the last things Kyle said to the doctor Thursday is 'Am I going to be able to play football tomorrow night?'

"I think the kids would want to step up in his honor."