Words of Encouragment Boost Morale for Pinstripe Players
The new Yankee Stadium will host it’s inaugural NCAA Football Bowl game next week on December 30th, 2010 at 3:30pm. As it happens, the Syracuse University Orange, known throughout the northeast as “New York’s College Team” will be there to faceoff against Kansas State in front of a stadium full of fans likely to resemble that of a Carrier Dome home game back in Syracuse, NY. The Pinstripe Bowl bid that the Orange received is not the warmest won by far, having a chance at playing in locations such as Florida and Texas. However, the inaugural game at the New Yankee Stadium is sure to carry much more historical significance than a bowl game elsewhere this year. The “twelfth man” on the field that day is sure to give the Orange an edge which any team an be excited about going into a big game such as this one. However, the hometown type of crowd might not be the only source of encouragement for the Syracuse players next week.
Just a few weeks ago the Orange found out that they were losing their Senior punter, Rob Long, due to season ending brain surgery. Long, notorious for his above average punts, had been having trouble his last couple of games before the regular season ended. He did not know that the severe headaches and illness he was facing for the previous 7 weeks were indications of a game changing injury. The injury was likely effecting his ability to perform his task on the field regardless of how well he still managed to do it throughout most of the season. It wasn’t until the very end of the season that a test confirmed the presence of a brain tumor, then thought to be benign.
Syracuse head coach, Doug Marrone, was trying to come to terms with it all – Long being enthusiastic about football and life in general, the timing of him finding out as the team secures a bowl bid, etc. Marrone said he was amazed with Long’s optimism after finding out. He quoted Long as saying, “Well coach, you have to go out and win a football game.”
Long received the news of the brain tumor on Dec. 2, 2010. He had his surgery to remove the tumor on Dec 14th. Pathology performed on the remaining tissue revealed malignant cells which will require further treatment. The news is devastating to Long, his family, his friends and the entire Orange community. However, a statement that Long gave after hearing the news about the malignant cells contained all words of encouragement for himself, his family and his team. He his hopeful that he will overcome this. His optimism throughout the whole process has given his teammates strength both on and off the field. There is no doubt that on December 30th, Long will be at the game with the team, although not physically, surely emotionally and within the spirits of his teammates.
CareMeridian always maintains HOPE for the best possible recovery. Wishing Rob Long and the entire Orange community good news and a speedy recovery this holiday season.
