Dykstra enters next phase

From Staff Reports

Former University of La Verne senior quarterback Rollie Dykstra was released from Loma Linda Community Medical Center Tuesday morning, almost five months after suffering a nearly fatal head injury that occurred in the Leopards' game against the University of Redlands on Oct. 19.

Dykstra will be moved to the Centre for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield where he will spend three-to-six months in therapy for permanent brain damage and loss of eyesight.

While there, Dykstra will reside in an apartment with three other men who have suffered the same type of injury. He will re-learn everyday skills, like cooking, in his quest for further autonomy.

Monday through Friday, Dykstra and his roommates will undergo physical therapy and will be free on the weekends to spend time with their families and friends.

Dykstra's five-month struggle has gone through phases, ever since being rushed to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center during the game on Oct. 19 after trainers performed an emergency tracheotomy on the sidelines.

At Pomona Valley, the medical staff placed Dykstra on life support, unsure of his chances for survival, where he remained for two weeks to relieve swelling in his brain.

Dykstra was then transferred from Pomona to Loma Linda.

Shortly after the injury, rumors spread that Dykstra had suffered a concussion in the previous week's game against Cal Lutheran.

Although these rumors were not confirmed, Dykstra's father and girlfriend did confirm that Dykstra was suffering headaches throughout the week before Oct. 19.