Princeton’s Dibilio suffers stroke

Dibilio

PU

PHILADELPHIA — Princeton freshman running back Chuck Dibilio is recovering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital after suffering a stroke on Thursday.

“They removed a clot in the main artery of his brain,” his father Chuck Sr. said. “They are trying to find out what caused it, so they can prevent it in the future. As far as a long-term prognosis, we are a long way from knowing, but we appreciate all of the support Chuck has received.”

Dibilio, 19, of Nazareth, Pa., was the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Princeton’s first since 1983. Dibilio was also a first-team All-Ivy League honoree.

“I’m not a doctor. I can’t say what his future looks like. It’s much better than where he was. But it’s bad, because he’s a 19-year-old kid, and he had a stroke,” said Rob Melosky, head coach at Nazareth Area High, where Dibilio starred. “The doctors are confident he can come back to normal. But the part that everyone is concerned with right now, is why it happened.”

Dibilio set an Ivy League record for a freshman by rushing for 1,068 yards.

“The biggest concern is his health,” Melosky said. “He’s been moving his extremities, and the doctors have been impressed by the big gains he’s made in a short period of time.”

Dibilio scored eight touchdowns this season, as the Tigers finished 1-9.

Related:
• Dibilio finishes 18th nationally in rushing