Dylan Grubeck’s prep football career came to an abrupt end last week.
The Ceres High senior exited Friday’s game against Los Banos on a stretcher in the first quarter and was transported to Kaiser Permanente Modesto Medical Center.
Grubeck suffered a grade-3 concussion, a severe neck strain and a lower spinal contusion.
“The doctor said I got lucky. I should have been paralyzed.”Dylan Grubeck
“The doctor said I got lucky,” Grubeck stated. “I should have been paralyzed.”
Grubeck contemplated a very uncertain future as he remained motionless on the turf for several minutes while being examined by paramedics and coaches.
“I was going for a tackle and there was a head-to-head collision,” he said. “I couldn’t get up. My head was killing me. I had no feeling in my body. I couldn’t do anything they were asking me to do. It was such a crazy feeling knowing my life could have changed in a matter of minutes. It was hard to process.”
Grubeck underwent a battery of tests at Kaiser.
Unable to move for close to four hours, Dylan was finally able to wiggle his toes.
“They (the doctor and nurses) were quiet the whole time,” Grubeck said. “I didn’t get any reassurance until two in the morning. Quite a few of my teammates showed up to check on me. I’m glad I had support from everyone.”
Grubeck’s frightening injuries were sustained on Senior Night.
Family members watched with concern from the stands.
Parents Tommy and Jamie Trevino wished Dylan luck before his final home game.
“I’m not mad,” Grubeck said. “I’m thankful God was watching over me and protecting me. I didn’t know if I was going to walk again. I could have been in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. It’s a huge wakeup call for me. I’m not going to take anything for granted.”
Grubeck has movement in all of his extremities.
“My neck and back are really messed up,” he said. “I’m struggling to walk around my house. I’ll probably use a wheelchair to get around at school.”
Grubeck will miss the Bulldogs’ final two games.
“I’ll be there on the sidelines to support my teammates,” he said. “Hopefully, we finish the season on a positive note.”