An Eagle Point High School athlete is on the road to recovery after suffering a severe leg injury during a state championship wrestling tournament and had to have his right leg amputated.
On February 25th, Emillio Ayala was seriously injured during the Oregon State Activities Association (OSAA) Class 5A Wrestling Tournament. Since then, the 17-year-old has undergone 12 surgeries in the past 24 days.
"I am healthy, I am well, I am going to get through this no problem," Ayala said. "A week ago was my last surgery, then I go home and stay there for a couple of months, and then I get knee surgery in about two months to fix my ligaments and stuff."
Ayala explained he donated his right foot to research, and hopes doctors can learn more from it and future rehabilitation.
Joseph Loop, Ayala's step-father said the teen has always loved to play sports and has played every type, including football and wrestling.
“The kid has always done what is asked, he has never done what was if you tell him to do something, he will do it. It might be a little late, but he will get it done,” Loop said. “We told him to go to school and get good grades and he does. He’s graduating with honors in all AP classes, this kid has gotten straight a's since the second grade."
Loop said the teen has always been and continues to be resilient, even throughout the life-changing event.
Ayala's wrestling coach and the athletic director at Eagle Point High School, Kacey McNulty echoed Loop.
“He is a great representative of Eagle Point High School, both academically and athletically, he is an incredible kid, just kind to everybody, happy-go-lucky kid,” McNulty said. “He will persevere, he will be successful in anything that he does, I know that. That was prior to the injury and it will be the same case after the injury.”
Ayala said the outpouring of love from the community has meant so much to him.
Currently, two fundraisers go directly to his recovery.
A Go-Fund-Me account, as well as an account at Rogue Credit Union, under the name "Emilio's fundraiser".