SEE THE VIDEO FOR STEVEN'S INTERVIEW
From brain surgery on Sunday to football practice on Friday, it has been quite a week for Portland State freshman running back Steven Long. And Long probably could not have hoped for a better conclusion to the week under the appropriately sunny skies of Portland.
Sporting a fresh scar on his skull hidden by a bandana, Long made an appearance at Viking football practice today and was warmly greeted by his teammates prior to drills. This coming only five days after a small growth was removed from his brain by doctors at Oregon Health Sciences University.
Early Thursday morning of last week, Long suffered seizures in his dorm room at Portland State. The alert action of roommate and teammate Adam Futter with an assist from Long's girlfriend, Brogan Taylor, soon had Steven on the way to the hospital.
By the weekend it was discovered that Long had a small growth on his brain and surgery was scheduled. By midday Sunday, an infectious lesion had been removed. Long was released from the hospital on Tuesday and returned to his home in Lake Oswego. He is expected to make a full recovery, though his football career is on hold for at least the next six months.
At Friday's practice, Long came onto the field to scores of hugs and handshakes from his teammates. He spoke to the team briefly, putting everyone in a good mood for the day's workout and the future.
Long also met a host of media interested in the local prep star's progress.
"It's been crazy," Long told a throng of television reporters and cameras in reference to the previous five days of his life. He expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, friends and fans who have supported him over the past week.
The KGW TV story
Portland Tribune story on Steven Long by Kerry Eggers
REMAINING 2013 SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Monday, May 6 1:30-4:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8 1:30-4:00 PM
Friday, May 10 1:30-4:00 PM
Monday, May 13 1:30-4:00 PM
Wednesday, May 15 1:30-4:00 PM
Saturday, May 18 Spring Game, Evergreen High School, Vancouver, WA; Youth Clinic, 11 a.m.; Alumni Game, Noon; Spring Game, 1 p.m.
Other Key Dates of Spring:
Portland State Football Coaches' Clinic, May 10-11
Evergreen GaveKal Coaches' Open Golf Tournament, May 17 (The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club)
Viking Football Camps, June 2013
