Cleveland Heights Football Player Recovering After Suffering Seizure During Sept. 14 Game

A Cleveland Heights High School football player suffered a seizure during the last 20 seconds of the game against Bedford High School Sept. 14, according to a statement from Kristin Hughes, athletic director for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District.

Derwin Martin, a junior at the high school, collapsed on the field during a play, Hughes said. There was no physical contact at the moment he had a seizure.

"Emergency Medical Services immediately responded and transported him to the hospital, where he has been receiving treatment ever since," Hughes said in the statement. "This has been and continues to be a very serious matter, but Derwin is in good spirits and current indications about his health are positive and a reason for optimism."

Mayor Ed Kelley asked that the community pray for the hospitalized football player at the Cleveland Heights City Council meeting Sept. 19, but did not mention Derwin's name or what happened.

Head football coach Jeff Rotsky also asked that the city "pray for this young boy."

"Our football family has been going to the hospital around the clock," Rotsky said. "We try to teach them this is how you react when one of your family members is in trouble or in danger, and they've stepped up to the plate."