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Maximus Romvari began playing football in the third grade and steadily climbed the ranks to high school.
Last fall as a junior, he earned a spot in the starting rotation with Aliso Niguel’s offensive line. But earlier this month, something didn’t feel right during practice for the upcoming season.
“Max came up to me and said ‘Coach, it feels like my heart is beating out of my chest,’ ” Wolverines coach Michael Calahan recalled. “I don’t take that lightly.”
After an evaluation by school trainer Jessica Barr and a trip to the emergency room, a whirlwind of medical activity kicked off for Romvari.
He was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, a congenital heart condition that features an extra pathway for signals in the heart that leads to rapid a heartbeat. The senior underwent heart surgery on Monday at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, his mother Carolyn Leigh said.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Anjan Batra, included an ablation of an extra pathway in Romvari’s heart, his mother added.
“The doctor just said they fixed his heart,” Carolyn Leigh said after the surgery.
While Romvari is hopeful to return to action this season for Aliso Niguel, his family is raising awareness about Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which can be dangerous for athletes.
Romvari’s mother said the non-profit organization Heartfelt, located in Laguna Beach, offers low-cost screenings.
“Pediatricians and athletic physicals don’t test for this and cardiologist appointment take months (to be seen),” Carolyn Leigh said. “(WPW) is significant in athletes because it can cause sudden cardiac death, sometimes as the first and only symptom.”
“I am beyond thankful that this was (Maximus’) very first symptom was this, versus what you read about (with) cardiac death being the first symptom.”
Leading up to his surgery Monday, Romvari remained around the team despite not being able to practice or play.
He also attended Wolverines’ season-opening 38-3 victory against Beckman on Friday.
“He’s a great football player,” Calahan said. “He’s tough-nosed. He’s smart. He’s kind of a glue guy. He has a good personality. He can relate to everyone.”
“We’re hoping to get him back,” the coach added, “but obviously with the utmost caution. We’re going to do it the right way.”
ALISO NIGUEL’S LINE DEPTH
Calahan said the Wolverines (1-0) leaned on their depth along the offensive line in the absence of Romvari.
Last week, the team featured Corey Lewis, Dylan Pyror, Austin Endicott, Boden Van Dijk, Cameron Brunelle and Everest Kirby along the line. Five of the six players are seniors.
Aliso Niguel didn’t allow a sack as quarterback Carter Vestermark completed 17 of 24 passes for 309 yards and three TDs.
“The OL stepped up big,” said Calahan, whose team plays host to El Toro (0-1) on Friday.
SHORT ROUTES
Mission Viejo All-County wide receiver Vance Spafford (ankle) will be a game-time decision to play at St. Paul on Friday, Diablo coach Chad Johnson said.
The Miami commit was injured in Mission Viejo’s 7-3 win against Santa Margarita last week.
Diablos linebacker Cash Gervase (knee), a junior who also injured in the game, is set for a MRI this week, Johnson said. …
Costa Mesa and Estancia renew their long-standing Bell rivalry on Friday at Costa Mesa High. The rivalry began in 1966 with Estancia’s 14-13 victory against Costa Mesa. …
Cypress (1-0) will play host to its first varsity football game on its new, on-campus turf field when it takes on Brea Olinda on Friday. …
Running back Caleb Bey has returned to Crean Lutheran and scored in the Saints’ 30-14 season-opening win against Mullen of Colorado. The junior departed in the offseason for Bishop Amat.
Crean Lutheran touted wide receiver Ty Johnson, a transfer from Texas, has an “incomplete” status listed on his CIF-SS transfer record. …
Garden Grove and Pacifica play at SoFi Stadium on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Yorba Linda defeated Mayfair 41-0 at the stadium last week to improve the record of O.C. teams at the NFL venue to 2-1.