LH wrestler George Belch improving after neck injury
George Belch has just scored the biggest “pin” so far in his young life. The Laurel Highlands junior wrestler was admitted to the hospital last week, and underwent surgery, after suffering a serious neck injury during a workout.
Belch, who wrestles at 125, but had been planning to drop down to the 119 class, was reportedly attempting to bridge out of a hold by his practice opponent when he sustained the injury to his neck and spinal cord.
He was admitted to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh where he underwent surgery to take pressure off the spinal cord, but has since been transferred over to Montefiore Hospital.
LH wrestling coach Chris Pegg visited with Belch and said “he is steadily improving, and the doctors have already said he should make a full recovery, but he will be facing a lot of therapy. All the tubes have been taken out of him and he has been removed from the ventilator, but the biggest factor of all is that he has been moving all of his extremities.
“That is the biggest, most important factor for George and for all of us who are concerned about him. His spirits are good.”
Pegg added, “George was thinking about dropping down to the 119 class when his injury occurred. He was starting to come along, wrestling very well for us. But the most important thing now is that he makes a full recovery.”
Pegg said “I gave our team a few days off from practice and competition for this has been heavy on their minds since it happened. His teammates are very concerned about George. The Section Two match originally scheduled for this week with Ringgold has been postponed until January 16, but we will be competing in the Fort Cherry Tournament this weekend, then wrestle Belle Vernon at home in a section match on January 15.”
Belch is the son of George Belch of Masontown and Christina David of Uniontown.
For those wanting to send cards to George, it has been suggested that they be sent to him in care of his father, George Belch, 29 So. 3rd St., Masontown, 15461.