http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Chiawana-football-player-may-not-walk-after-accident-275379091.htmlPASCO, Wash. -- A Chiawana junior is facing the challenge of his life after a severe hunting accident.
The son of football head coach, Steve Graff, is now in the hospital after emergency surgery.
At a school where football has put its athletes on the map, losing a player can drastically affect the dynamic of a team. But it's a challenge the Chiawana Riverhawks find themselves in.
17 year old Mac Graff was hunting over the weekend near Dayton, with his dad. The family of avid hunters found themselves following a medical helicopter back to Tri-Cities after Mac fell 15 feet from a deer stand, severely injuring his back.
Doctors performed emergency surgery on the quarterback. His spinal cord wasn't severed, but the high school junior needed his back almost completely reconstructed.
His family could only wait for results.
Up until now, most of Mac's time has been spent at the football field at Chiawana High School. But since the accident, his return back here as an athlete is less than certain.
Chiawana's Athletic Director didn't return interview request, but the well wishes of players, students, and coaches were unwavering and strong. An assistant coach spoke off camera, saying Mac was awake Monday and regaining feeling in his legs. But it's unclear whether he'll be able to walk again.
Shirts clad in Chiawana's school colors echo the battle cry of not just the team, but the entire community: Graff Strong.
And while support builds for this fightingers teen, friends and family pray for a miracle.
If you want to help the Graff family by picking up a shirt, they will be available before Friday's game against the Richland Bombers. Look for them at the tailgate.
A reminder everyone please stay safe out there.
Prayers for the Graff family.
