, PA - La Salle University freshman linebacker Preston Plevretes (Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro) has been transported to Chester, NJ where he will begin rehabilitation at the Kessler Center.

 

Plevretes had remained in Pittsburgh since suffering a severe brain injury in a hit during punt coverage with 2:24 remaining in the Explorers game at Duquesne on November 5^th.  The game was halted prematurely as Plevretes was rushed to Mercy Hospital where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

 

His activity remains limited to slight movement of the hands and fingers and eye movement.

 

Plevretes will be prepared to receive visitors at Kessler beginning on Friday, November 25.  Though official visiting hours are from 4:30 AM - 8:30 PM.

 

Head Coach Phil Longo and Assistant Athletic Director Peter D'Orazio remained in Pittsburgh with the family for the majority of the following week with Longo returning late Friday.  At different times since the injury, Director of Sports Medicine Bill Gerzabek, Academic Support Services Director Br. John Kane and defensive coaches Phil Petitte and Tim Miller also returned to Pittsburgh.  Prior to the Explorers' final game of the season the team attended a special mass and team brunch in tribute to their teammate.

 

The parents of fellow Explorer football players have initiated a Christmas gift drive for the Plevretes and are requesting that donations of cash, phone cards, gift certificates and other offerings be donated at the team's annual post-season banquet to be held on December 3.

 

A separate support effort is being initiated by the staff of campus radio station WEXP through the assistance of the athletic department's Project Teamwork.  Details of that drive are forthcoming.

 

Plevretes played in six games and recorded 24 tackles in his first season on the field for the Explorers.