Football

Tigers keep Davis in their thoughts

MIFFLINBURG -- A shaken up Hollidaysburg Area High School football team played with sophomore Spencer Davis on their mind Friday night in Mifflinburg.

Davis had a medical emergency at practice during a football play on Wednesday and was transported first to UMPC Altoona and then to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh. The police scanner described the emergency as cardiac arrest.

Davis was able to be with his teammates Friday with the help of social media. They were able to do a call on FaceTime with him after the game.

"Everyone will have a sticker on their helmet that says SD53," Hollidaysburg coach Homer DeLattre said. "There will be a banner that will be on our sideline."

The Golden Tigers got good news on Davis earlier Friday.

"He's improving," DeLattre said. "Today was a good day from all indications I have heard. His mom sent a message out that he was better today than he was yesterday and that every day has been better than the day before. It's encouraging to know that."

The end of practice on Wednesday was canceled after the incident involving Davis, and the Golden Tigers returned to practice on Thursday.

"It's hard to explain unless you go through it, but these kids are so resilient," DeLattre said. "They had a good practice (Thursday) and had a visit from the local EMTs which was very positive. They had a message for us that was positive, and that helped the guys."

Davis will remain in Pittsburgh for the time being and is being monitored. Hollidaysburg is accepting gift cards to present to the family.

"The booster club is taking donations," DeLattre said. "An email went out to the parents for a collection of gift cards and anything that can help the family."

-- Michael Boytim