Mahomet-Seymour’s Ray Long overcomes health scare, shines in return

MAHOMET (WCIA) — Mahomet-Seymour looks to remain unbeaten in Apollo Conference play in our Spotlight Game of the Week against Effingham. The Bulldogs recently got a big boost from a player who made an unlikely return to the gridiron.

“We didn’t know if he’d be able to play any sports again,” head coach Jon Adkins said.

Ray Long’s senior season was put in jeopardy just before week one. The receiver and tight end was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome caused by an extra electrical pathway in the heart leading to a rapid heartbeat and serious conversations with doctors.

“They didn’t really know and it was definitely a possibility and it was something that was on my mind,” Long said.

“I kind of just thought of the positives and was optimistic through the whole thing.”

Following a heart ablation procedure on September 13th, Long was cleared to play less than two weeks later, returning to the field in last Friday’s win at Mt. Zion.

“All I was thinking about was getting out here to support my guys and make them better anyway I could,” Long said.

“We kind of thought it was going to be a full year thing for him but, for him to make the recovery is really nice and I’m happy for him,” quarterback Luke Dyer said.

The senior didn’t just show up, but showed out in his return, going for 122 yards on five catches in the 38-14 victory.

“I was pumped all week,” Long said.

“It felt good to go out and do what I knew I could and it was awesome.”

“Dealing with all that he’s dealt with, just so proud of him and the way he’s dealt with this whole situation and then to cap it off with a really good game at Mt. Zion was awesome,” Adkins said.

While getting back on the field brought some apprehension.

“My family was probably more nervous than me, just scared that something could happen because you never know, but I was definitely nervous going out there, but after the first play, but after the first play it kind of set in and back to what it was before.”

Long looks to be a big part of the Bulldog offense for the rest of the season.

“Obviously he had a massive role,” Dyer said.

“I know how hard he’s worked to get in shape and get back ready to go.”

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