H.S. Football Coach's Condition Improving - Greenville News Story ...

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. -- The condition of an Upstate high school football coach who suffered a cardiac arrest is improving, according to a school spokeswoman.Jan Bratcher, Anderson County School District 2 spokeswoman, said Belton-Honea <a href="http://www.uggbootsclearanceoutlet.org"><strong>UGGS Clearance Sale </strong></a> Path High School Head Coach Russell Blackston is alert and awake and his condition has been upgraded to good condition.Bratcher said the doctors are “cautiously optimistic in his recovery.”Blackston is even more optimistic, and said Wednesday, "Can't wait to get back with my team and students."Blackston was admitted to Anmed Health Monday about 9 p.m. after going into cardiac arrest at his home. Wife, EMS Save Coach’s Life Randy Blackston, Russell's brother, talked to the "Evening Sports Page" on WRIX 103.1 Tuesday night.On the show, Randy said Russell was watching a football film with his two boys, and the minute he became unresponsive his two boys quickly called their mother for help.He says Robin, Russell's wife, responded quickly and had him in the best possible shape when paramedics arrived.He says the Belton Rescue squad was amazing in their initial care, and he thanked the Belton community for their prayers.Randy said Russell's condition is stable. He says they still don't know what caused Russell to experience a cardiac arrest but he says the medical team has ruled out many things.He says Russell has responded to the family and has recognized the family and has held their hands, but the coach is sedated at this time.Randy says Russell is sedated so that he can focus all of his energy on getting healthy.He thanked his sister-in-law, Robin, for saving Russell's life and for demonstrating resolve and strength during this tough time. Student Body, Staff Support Coach Principal Lester McCall <a href="http://www.uggbootsclearanceoutlet.org"><strong>UGG Boots 5825 Classic Short </strong></a> told WYFF News 4 it's been tough for some of the students."BHP is a special place and we are all family. And Coach Blackston is certainly a part of that family. We are hoping and praying that things are well with him," said McCall. "We took a moment this morning to have a moment of silence, and students could express that anyway they wanted. Of course I'm sure the majority of them prayed."Jan Bratcher, Anderson County School District 2 spokeswoman, released this statement Tuesday on behalf of the family:"The family of Russell Blackston appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers. At this time we would request everyone be respectful of their privacy. Updates <a href="http://www.uggbootsclearanceoutlet.org"><strong>UGG Boots Outlet </strong></a> will be given as more information becomes available."Last year, Blackston was promoted to head coach after being an assistant coach at the school.According to the school website, Blackston graduated from Westside High School in 1989 and graduated from Newberry College in 1993. Besides coaching football, he teaches strength training.