Father Lopez player released from hosptial

Posted Sep 30, 2010 by Katherine Smith

Updated Sep 30, 2010 at 01:35 PM

Father Lopez senior running back Erik Hatch has been released from Tampa General Hospital, six days after undergoing emergency brain surgery to relieve swelling following a helmet to helmet collision.

Hatch was injured in the fourth quarter of the Green Wave’s victory against Seffner Christian last Friday night at Plant City High. Following the hard hit, Hatch collapsed on the sideline and had to be airlifted to Tampa General. There he underwent two hours of surgery to relieve swelling and blood on his brain. He was kept in the hospital’s intensive care unit for a couple of days.

During his stay, several Seffner Christian officials, including head coach Steve Lewis, visited with Hatch’s parents and were relieved by his continuing recovery.