Monday, June 2, 2008
GREELEY, Colo. – Les Borsheim, a versatile player – and fan favorite – for the Colorado Eagles over the past three years, was seriously injured on Sunday afternoon after being ejected from his motorcycle on Weld County Road 60 ½. Borsheim was air-lifted to North Colorado Medical Center, and classified as in critical condition.

Borsheim underwent successful surgery last night on his neck, performed by neurosurgeon Dr. John Viola, and is currently resting in the ICU. Both Head Coach Chris Stewart and teammate Ed McGrane said that Borsheim was looking and acting like himself before surgery, even joking with one of the nurses.

This morning, Borsheim is breathing on his own and wearing a neck collar to aid in stabilization. “These next few days will be a big challenge when it comes to Les’ recovery, but I know he’s always been up to a challenge,” said Stewart. “He’s in our thoughts and prayers.”

The outpouring of support for Borsheim has been tremendous from both his teammates and the local community. By the time he went into surgery last night, all of his teammates that are still in town were there by his side.

McGrane, one of his close friends on the team, was one of those players. “He’s like family for everybody and everyone’s going be there for him,” said McGrane of the teammates gathering at his side. “I saw him yesterday morning and he was excited to go ride. It’s one of his favorite things to do and it’s just bad luck that he lost control.” He added, “It’s a tough day, but everyone’s got to stay positive and help him in any way they can.”

Although police reports cite alcohol as being a factor in the accident, the Eagles organization cannot confirm those details and will wait for the case to play itself out. Their sole focus is on Borsheim’s health and recovery.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
                “This morning we’ve had fantastic progress as Les began to have movement in his arm.  It’s great to see that this soon.” – Con Borsheim (Les’ father)
                “I want to express our family’s gratitude and how overwhelmed we’ve been by the outpouring of support for Les.  We’ve been getting calls from all over both the US and Canada, but what we’ve witnessed here in Northern Colorado has been beyond what words can explain.  We appreciate everyone’s kind words and prayers, and they’re working; God is good.” – Con Borsheim (Les’ father)
                “I was pleased to see Les have involuntary movement in his leg.  I’m totally ecstatic by the progress we’ve witnessed today, and our faith remains strong!” – Chris Stewart (Head Coach)

Thursday, June 5, 2008
                “We again saw improvement in Les this morning.  He had some movement, which is obviously very encouraging.  We’re hopeful that in the minutes, hours and days ahead, he will continue his struggle to recovery accompanied by many thoughts and prayers.” – Chris Stewart (Head Coach)
                “It’s going to be a long process, but the littlest signs are huge steps.  The doctors are doing a great job caring for him and the most encouraging thing is that we’re seeing those improvements every day.” – Ed McGrane (teammate and close friend)