FORT WAYNE – Homestead High School wrestler Nik Gogos has a couple of short-term goals, according to his coach, as he continues to recover from a serious neck and back injury suffered in the Warsaw Invitational Nov. 23.

“Nik wants to get out of the rehab unit and be back home before Christmas,” said first-year Homestead wrestling coach Nathan DeVaux in a phone interview Friday afternoon. “He also is a huge music fan and wants to get back to being able to play the guitar again.

Gogos, a freshman at Homestead, was injured at WCHS Nov. 23 during a match versus Eastside. The 145-pounder was the recipient of an illegal slam during the match. Gogos underwent surgery at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne Nov. 23.

“Really, not a much has changed with Nik,” said DeVaux. “He was moved to a rehab building at Lutheran on Monday or Tuesday this week to start his rehab. He can still move both of his legs and his left arm.

“The doctors say that he is ahead of schedule with his progress and they are optimistic. But, it’s a day-to-day situation. The long term is still not clear.”

DeVaux and about 20-25 of the members of the Homestead team visited Gogos Wednesday.

“Nik has been flooded with visitors and there’s been a lot of support,” DeVaux said. “Nik is still very upbeat and positive.”

The Spartans returned to practice this past Monday and will compete again on Dec. 5 at DeKalb.

“Practice went well this week,” said DeVaux. “Nik told the guys to do their thing and not worry about him.”