Oct. 27, 2009

Flagstaff, AZ/Pocatello, ID --- Idaho State true freshman wide receiver Andrew Benavides was injured 11 seconds after halftime of ISU's game with Northern Arizona on Saturday, October 24. Since that time Andrew has been hospitalized at Flagstaff Medical Center. Late Tuesday evening, Andrew's parents Randy Benavides and Tami Withers issued a statement through the ISU Media Relations Office. The following is the text of that statement.

October 27, 2009
From the parents of Andrew Benavides;

Hello Everyone,

We would like to start with how much we appreciate everyone's support & prayers; from family, friends, teammates, coaches, doctors, nurses, Idaho State University Staff, Northern Arizona University Staff to the caring communities everywhere! We can not thank Coach Drew Miller enough. His stay here with us has been amazing, and the support has had such a positive affect on Andrew.

It has now been approximately 72 hours since Andrew's injury happened on the field in Flagstaff, Arizona. Within this timeframe, we have experienced several changes, all of which Andrew has stayed strong and positive through. There has been conflicting reports regarding Andrew's injury that we'd like to clear up. Andrew's injury is to his spinal cord. The closest description of the injury we've been told is "SCIWORA", which stands for Spinal Cord Injury with out Radiologic Abnormality. Andrew's recovery will take some time however we are very fortunate to say we are anticipating a full recovery.

Andrew is a very tough young man. He has always been extremely focused and dedicated to working hard. We are confident that he will work through his rehabilitation just as hard or harder, in which he has already shown us in this short time.

Thank you again for all the support; it has truly helped us and all your prayers to come will continue to help us as we now work through Andrew's recovery process.

Sincerely,

Tami Withers
Randy Benavides