Haskell, Okla— A high school football player severely injured during a game Friday in Henreyetta remains in a Tulsa hospital with a brain injury.
According to social media posts by the family, Reuben Wheeland underwent surgery Monday.
Wheeland is a freshman running back for the Haskell Haymakers. A teammate says he was injured after taking a hard hit while carrying the ball.
The team canceled practice Monday to go visit their teammate in a Tulsa hospital. Now, the community is coming together to support the player and his family during a difficult time.
His former youth football coach, Marc Gouldsby says Reueben was an exceptional athlete and an all around good kid. Gouldsby coached Reuben for several years, starting when Reuben was in 2nd grade.
“It's a hurt for us because Reuben was a special kid, it’s not just that he was a great athlete but he comes from a really good family,” he said.
Phillip Jones is a sophomore at Haskell and Reuben’s teammate. Jones says he spent much of Saturday visiting Reuben.
“Just looking at him seeing him like that it hurts,” Jones said.
It’s a hurt shared by many at the high school and throughout the town.
An account has been set up to take donations at Mabrey Bank in Haskell.
There is also a Go Fund Me page.
The school is hosting a prayer for Wheeland at the football field at 6:15 on Wednesday.
