kathy wrote on Sep 24, 2007 5:33 AM:I am praying for Scott and his family, for God to wake him up and bring him back. Please Lord-

SM wrote on Sep 24, 2007 7:02 AM:Thanks to everyone that helped organize this. It was amazing to see so many come together to care about someone so much.-

Karen wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:11 AM:My prayers are with you.-

Corrections wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:34 AM:Not that this is the most important thing in the world but NCT needs to be more accurate in their reporting because their respectability and reliability can come into question when simple facts are inaccurate. For one, Bob Bishop is the Youth Pastor of Valley Bible Church NOT Mission Hills Church. The principal of Mission Hills High School is Brad Lichtman NOT Bruce Lichtman. Hopefully, NCT will note these corrections. It's simple facts that make me question the accuracy of their news reporting, especially in the case of Scotty. I realize the most important thing is the full and speedy recovery of Scotty! God Bless you Scotty and your family! Also to all of you who have been so viligant in your prayers and efforts of your support!God Speed!-

Wendy Castro wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:44 AM:It's touching to see the city of San Marcos come together to support young Scott's family...My prayers go out to Scott & his family...I'm so proud to be a native San Marcen 3,000 miles away.-

Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:45 AM:What is this? This is SOOO improper, holding a prayet vigil on the grounds of a taxpayer-funded public school! This is NOT the proper place for such a thing! What about separation of church and state? The school officials who sanctioned this activity MUST be held to account! When I'm president, this sort of thing will come to an end!

Julie wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:55 AM:It warms my heart to see our community come together the way it has this last week. Scott is in my thoughts and prayers.-

JOSA5 wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:07 AM:MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE EVELAND FAMILY AND THAT GOD WORKS HIS MAGIC ON SCOTT AND HIS FAMILY.GOD BLESS SCOTT AND HIS FAMILY-

melissa wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:32 AM:Shame on you Hillary and shame on the NC for even posting such a cold and disrespectful post from Hillary. These students, strangers, families, and friends were there to support a family who is suffering so much pain and you are worried about tax dollars and prayers. Hillary I have one thing to say to you, KARMA.-

lynnette wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:45 AM:I will pray for YOU Hillary. Whoever you are.-

Roberto1 wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:28 AM:Beer & pork!...of course its a great event. Ever here of a man going to where the beer is and saying its a terrible event?-

To Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:32 AM:You must be kidding, I hope so.-

To Hilary: wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:42 AM:Your knowledge of the Supreme Court's rulings on this issue is laughable. To use this story as a venue to promote your lack of knowledge is reprehensible. Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to Scott and his family.-

To Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:45 AM:I am shocked by your flippant and insensitive comment. You obviously find this tragedy as a way to amuse yourself, and I truly feel sorry for you. I too will pray for you after I finish my prayers for Scotty and his family.-

to Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:51 AM:let me and a million others add to our prayer list that you may never become president. I pity you and thank the lord I am not you and still pray for you. nothing sadder than a lost misrable soul.

C from SM wrote on Sep 24, 2007 11:06 AM:Hillary, thank you for taking time out from kicking puppies to express your viewpoint. I am proud of my community and the manner that they have come together for Scott. Our prayers are with the Luth and Eveland families.

Connie wrote on Sep 24, 2007 11:38 AM:Too bad comments of negativity need to be made in the midst of this tragic situation. There is no seperation of church and state when community spirit and unity is involved. We need to think of Scott and not politics at this time. God is able to cause a miracle to happen, even in the hearts of those who don't believe and who criticize. /

Well.. wrote on Sep 24, 2007 11:41 AM:A violent sport prone to injuries of a critical nature and you people are SURPRISED this has happened? It was bound to happen! Now you all come to Jesus? Give me a break this was 100% completely preventable! Violent sports should not be played..../

Terri wrote on Sep 24, 2007 12:28 PM:To Hilary, Scott's family doesn't really need those kinds of comments from insensitive people like you. And no, I will not be voting for you in 08./

hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 12:41 PM:I DONT BELIEVE IN GOD BUT I HAVE RESPECT FOR OTHER PEOPLES BELIEFS. WITH A SMALL MIND LIKE YOU HAVE YOU WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT. YOU COMMENT IS VERY RUDE AND UPSETING. SOMEONE SHOULD SMAKE YOU FOR DISRESPECTING THIS KID AND HIS FAMILY.

Jerry wrote on Sep 24, 2007 12:50 PM:Hillary does make a point. Where's the tolerance when students want to have little prayer groups? Why has "Christmas vacation" become the "Winter Holiday?" Displays of belief, particularly Christian, are frowned on and disallowed in our schools. Hillary makes a good point, actually./

to Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 12:51 PM:don't bother wasting your time and money running for anything you will fail. I pity your lost misrable soul and will put you on a nation wide prayer list you need it...

What? wrote on Sep 24, 2007 1:35 PM:Why not pray for god to tell everyone on the planet which religon is the one true religon and what the rules are? Instead of leaving us to make up our own? And no sending one person with the word isn't working. How do we tell if the one is really telling us the word of god and not just some whack job trying to control the world and get rich? To say nothing of whack jobs trying to interpret some thousand year old text that has been edited more times than we can count after being passed by word of mouth for a thousand years. In the mean time the reason we should keep religon out of school is to protect the the freedom of those whose religous beliefs are in the minorty. Catholics would ban mormons and mormons would ban muslums and sheiks would ban hindu's and so on and so on.

to well wrote on Sep 24, 2007 1:50 PM: nothing is 100% preventable... there is a difference between violent sports and contact sports

Football Coach wrote on Sep 24, 2007 2:00 PM:As a local high school football coach, I have my own perspective on this tragedy. It is important to remember that football is a physical sport and injuries can (and often do) occur. However, injuries can happen in any sport! It is important that young athletes receive proper training in order to reduce injuries. That is why good coach's are so important. Mission Hills Football has an experienced coaching staff (I should know, I have coached against them). This is simply an unfortunate accident. There will always be risk of injury in athletics. To say that this was "100% completely preventable" is absurd and ignorant. I have seen head trauma occur in basketball, baseball, soccer and even swimming! This type of injury could have happened in almost any high school sport. It is also a shame that people worry about petty things (like seperation of church and state) instead of focusing on the health of a young man who is fighting for his life. It is wonderful that so many people from different backgrounds rallied to show support for an injured player and his family. This was not organized to be a "religious event" as much as a vigil of hope for a young member of the community who tragically ended up in a coma due to a football injury. My thoughts and prayers go out to Scott and the Eveland family during this difficult time.

To Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:11 PM:Hillary, I believe that the school decided to host a prayer vigil at the school because that is where Scott attended it wasn't as if it was a school they picked at random.. There is a significant tie to the school and obviously all the people at the prayer vigil appreciated the opportunity to be there otherwise like you they wouldn't have been there.. I also don't think that we need another leader in our school system who can't even spell.. Maybe you should look at the big picture of this tragic event and quit being so close minded it is really not going to do you any good nor is it going to win you any votes.. I certainly wouldn't vote for someone like you...

Kelly - wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:15 PM:Diane - I have been thinking about you non-stop since I left the football field yesterday. THANK YOU for your kindness to B! THANK YOU for the many meals you cooked, the creative cookies and deserts you have baked, dishes you washed, the beds you made, everything you did to welcome my son into your home. It is your turn now! /

laurie wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:34 PM:Come on you guys, can't you see that "Hillay's" comment was a goof on Ms. Clinton? I don't think this is the correct forum for politics but the point in and of itself is well taken; unless the school "sponsored" the event, it correctly should have been held at non-taxpayer funded location. That said, I think that it was a wonderful event and a great chance for the community to show support and hope. If your kids want to play football, let them; you can't keep a tight rein on them forever. These boys are 15yrs + and capable of making choices like these. Teens with stringent and overcontrolling parents often rebel and the consequences can be disasterous. /

Jacquelyn wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:54 PM:It is so wonderful to see the community pull together like this. Our country needs a lot more of this...prayer for others, pulling together...My thoughts and prayers will continue for Scotty and his family. He sounds like an amazing young man.

concerned reader wrote on Sep 24, 2007 3:56 PM:Some people are truly callous...I mean, many sports and activities are dangerous. Heck! Riding a bike can be deadly. To even mention that this tragedy was "preventable" strikes me as so insensitive and ignorant. Car accidents are preventable too...just don't drive in a car! Also, part of the problem in our schools is that we don't allow prayer. Let's bring it back. There were fewer problems then!

To laurie wrote on Sep 24, 2007 5:01 PM:You might want to check your facts. Groups can request, and pay for, the use of schools. Instead of making assumptions get the facts. My guess is you'll find this was not a school sponsored event and taxpayers did not cover these costs. But, let's get back to what is important. This was done, by some group, to help a child in need. Let's focus on the good of this event and not any negatives that uninformed people are creating.

angry with Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 5:25 PM:Hillary - ... It says in the article that the BOOSTER CLUB sponsored this. How did it waste taxpayers money? So, you're telling me that everytime AYSO or Little League hold a sporting event at a school it is wasting money!! If you spent more time worrying about people's feelings then the all mighty dollar, maybe GOD would have a place in your life...

mhhs mom wrote on Sep 24, 2007 6:14 PM:There are not many venues that can hold that many people. It was reported in the initial estimate had as many as 3,000 would people possibly attend. This accident happened during a school sponsored event, and it is appropriate that the vigil/rally be held at the school. Does this really matter though? Scott and Family, you are in our prayers.

RPmom wrote on Sep 24, 2007 8:18 PM:My son severely broke his arm last year playing Pop Warner football. It was our first year and yes, I was nervous. After his surgery and the cast came off, we asked his surgeon if our son could continue to play football in the future. Our surgeon at Children's Hospital in SD told us that the number one sports related injury they see is from skateboardking/snowboarding. Basketball is #2. Then football. She made a good point that football players wear so much more protective gear than other sports. People can get hurt doing ANYTHING. With proper coaching about safety and technique, football is a safe sport. What happened to Scott was an ACCIDENT. He will remain in our thoughts, hearts and prayers, as will his family and friends.

Mary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:03 PM:To Laurie - I see churches renting schools to hold their Sunday services. And as a completely unreligious person I am not offended in the least. Now prayer during school hours that is another story. Using the school grounds to hold a gathering to pray for the restoration of a youngman's health is should be within everyone's tolerance level. /

Paul L. wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:28 PM:I understand and respect any and all comments concerning this tragedy! This is why we choose to live in the greatest county in the world (U.S.A.)! I would like to thank each and everyone who continues to help us through this very difficult time. Your support is making all the difference in Scotty's recovery and I do believe Scotty has helped bring our community even closer! Thank you so much!

MHHS Parent wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:47 PM:It never ceases to amaze me the things some people do for attention. I'm sure if Scotty had a choice he would rather not be receving attention of this kind and I'm absolutely positive he wouldn't be online like Hillary writing ignorant comments on a topic so obviously close to so many peoples hearts. However, he IS receiving attention because of the child he is....caring, thoughtful, kind, loving, appreciative, a good student and a good athelete who suffered an unfortunate accident. These are the reasons the community has come together in this way, from prayer vigils to fund raising by schools, the fire academy and individuals. I was at the Vigil of Hope yesterday and it was wonderful to see all the people from all over north county turn up to support Scotty and his family. It was especially nice to see students from other schools in their colors and you couldn't help but be touched by the whole event and if any more are arranged, I will attend those too. I'm sorry for the people who's lives are so negative that they seem to have no compassion and although I appreciate everyone is entitled to their own opinion, sometimes Hillary, it's better to keep it to yourself. God be with you Scotty, you're in our prayers!

Beatrice wrote on Sep 24, 2007 9:59 PM:My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. What an awful thing to go through. I pray the lord will bring him back to you soon. Everyone, just keep praying. May the lord be with you all.

To Well wrote on Sep 24, 2007 10:46 PM:Well, you better watch out when you cross the street! You're chances of getting hit by a car are greater then suffering a severe injury by any sport! Of course, getting hit by a car is 100% preventable! Just don't cross the street and you'll be sure to be safe! While speaking of preventable injuries, I certainly hope you don't travel anywhere by car because the odds of suffering injuries sustained in an accident is definitely much more likely then doing any of the above!

To Hillary wrote on Sep 24, 2007 11:02 PM:It is obvious you don't have children... Holding an event such as this has absolutely nothing to do with seperation of church and state. The school belongs to the community and the community should have a right to hold a community event such as this where people in our community can gather and support one another in times of tragedy and times of joy. The definition of "community" is a group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary. This is a community who cares and supports a member of our community who have the privilege of meeting at the high school to hold a vigil of prayer and hope for this young man's speedy and full recovery! You don't have to believe in God or belong to a church to have hope for this boy and support his family in a dire time of need and caring!

Ex-Football Player wrote on Sep 24, 2007 11:25 PM:It sickens me to see some of the commments about politics, religion, tax-payer funded property, "football as a violent sport which should be banned", etc. posted in this article. I am hoping some of the comments were not serious since it is totally inappropriate at this time. It is amazing to see the community support for the young man and his family. What an amazing event to see all of the players from other schools turn out. It gives me hope that the completely ignorant... are not all that is left out there. Too bad those people can't line up and as blocking dummies.

On Prevention -- wrote on Sep 25, 2007 12:36 AM:To "Well..[sic]" Life is inherently dangerous. For instance, more people die while eating (8.7% of so-called home accidents, or roughly 1 in 4,284 chance) than do from football injuries (most recently, 0.06 per 100,000). This, too, is utterly preventable, and I daresay that I am tempted to suggest that I hope that you abstain from this abhorrently perilous pursuit.

Laurie wrote on Sep 25, 2007 3:55 PM:I know that all us of pray for Scotty's recovery and the outpouring of affection, caring and concern at the vigil was truly awe inspiring. The discussion that Hillary started re: church and state separation should not be the basis for anger but free discourse. The NC Times article did not state that the Booster club sponsored the event, but states that it was organized by a local ministry and church. Core to the separation issue is the promotion of religion vs secularism or one religion over another by the "state". MHHS/SMUSD must follow the same guidelines for all groups who request use of the facilities. I hope with all my heart that Scott, his family and the community are blessed with his recovery.=