Damien football player Alan Mohika is sitting up, far more responsive and alert today after suffering a severe concussion on Friday night in a game against Moanalua.

Damien coach Eddie Klaneski said Mohika, a two-way starter at quarterback and defensive back, is "100 percent better today." 

Mohika, a 5-foot-7, 155-pound senior, had shown no symptoms of head trauma prior to the injury. In the nearly 48 hours since, he was somewhat responsive while in ICU at Queen’s Medical Center.

"It was such a relief when I found out he’s doing better," said Klaneski, a first-year head coach at his alma mater. "His mom (Nohea) said, ‘Hold on, Coach,’ and she gave him the phone. I got to talk with him." 

Klaneski returned to the hospital to present Mohika with a trophy from OC 16 for being named "impact player" of the game. 

"His dad (Floyd) said, ‘Wait ’til he’s up and then give it to him," Klaneski said. "Everything’s not normal yet, and he’s still not out of the woods, but he’s 100 percent better." 

The injury left Mohika with swelling of the brain on Friday. On the field, immediately after the injury, he was not breathing.

"It was like he could’ve died right there on the field, not breathing. He didn’t have a pulse. It was pretty bad on the field," Klaneski said. "Even up until that point when he got hit, he was all good, but it makes you think back earlier in the game and wonder what we could’ve done better to not put him in a situation like that." 

Klaneski noted that Mohika took several hits during the game and was busy on both offense and defense. 

"I never saw any signs of danger. Sometimes a kid will never say anything. He may have had one before and we didn’t know because he’s such a tough kid," he said. 

Now, the Damien ohana and the entire state can breathe a little easier. The torrent of calls and texts, questions about Mohika has been prolific. 

"I walked in and he was off the bed, sitting in the chair and he was responsive. ‘Eh, Coach Eddie!’ " 

Klaneski added that Mohika may possibly be released tomorrow.