Hixon injured in helmet-to-helmet collision

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TAMPA, Fla. -- Tennessee Tech wide receiver Drew Hixon remained in a medically induced coma Monday following a helmet-to-helmet collision that knocked his helmet off his head, university officials said.

	Hixon

Hixon, son of Washington Redskins assistant coach Stan Hixon, remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit of St. Joseph's Hospital, according to a statement from Tennessee Tech.

He has not regained consciousness since being leveled after catching a pass in the second quarter of Saturday's 21-7 loss to South Florida.

Hixon was strapped to a backboard and immediately taken to a hospital where doctors used drugs to induce a coma. Tests later indicated a brain injury.

His mother, Rebecca, was at Saturday's game, and her husband joined her Sunday, missing the Redskins' opener with Tampa Bay. The family issued a statement Monday thanking people for their support.

"Although he is in critical condition, we are trusting God for his life and healing. We know that nothing is impossible with God and we request your continued prayers for Drew's full and complete recovery," the statement said.

Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said Hixon left Saturday night to be with his son.

"We've just been in real prayer for him the last two days, the team has, and we're just praying that he's going to make a quick recovery," Gibbs said.

The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Hixon is a senior who had been Tennessee Tech's leading receiver with 10 catches for 102 yards. He scored the game-winning touchdown in the Golden Eagles' season opener Sept. 4.

The Golden Eagles held a team meeting Saturday night and didn't return to Cookeville, Tenn., until Sunday afternoon.

"Drew is an exceptional young man, and our only concern is for his complete recovery," Tennessee Tech athletics director Mark Wilson said. "Our thoughts and prayers are for Drew and his family during this difficult time."

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press

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