Cincinnati football team adopts 12-year-old cancer patient
"When Mitch descended the steps of Nippert Stadium, the offensive linemen were engaged in drills. As soon as they saw him, they called out “Mitch!” and “What’s up, Mitch?” At the end of practice, the Bearcats gathered around Mitch so he could “break down” the team, meaning they jumped and chanted on his command."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/15/sports/football/15cincy.html?hp
October 15th, 2009 at 2:25 AM ^
Real Sports on HBO did a really great story this summer on Friends of Jaclyn. It's an incredible program, and (luckily) there are more teams that have volunteered than there are kids who need them. It's great to see college athletes ready and willing to reach out a helping hand to kids who need all the help they can get.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:21 AM ^
Great story. Thanks for posting.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:23 AM ^
Two years ago when we were looking for a head coach I was really hoping Michigan would give Brian Kelly consideration. After State turned him down, I knew he had no shot at the Michigan job. Glad to see him doing well in Cincinnati! With that being said, I would still like to see him as the Michigan head coach down the line. (After RR brings M to BCS games the next 5 out of the next 8 years, with a title in there as well!)
I like when you talk with State about Brian Kelly and their response is "yeah he is playing with all of Dantonio's recruits, what do you expect". Well, that means Brian Kelly has been to more BCS games than Dantonio and that’s not even with his recruits.
I have heard rumblings that if Weis gets the boot, that Notre Dame has Brian Kelly on a short list of canidates. I hope not, because I would not want to face his teams year in and year out. Just as I was happy when State passed on him.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:54 AM ^
So, since they've been at their respective schools the same amount of time, is Dantonio winning with John L. Smith's recruits?
October 15th, 2009 at 11:13 AM ^
Every Bearcat fan's worst fear coming into this season was having Weis go 4-8 or 5-7 as Kelly has called coaching ND his 'dream job.' If Kelly every became Dame's coach I think all of us would have some sleepless September nights in our future.
Having this guy coach at a top program is dangerous. Even in Cincy High School talent is as rich as any geographic area in the country so watch out for these guys for as long as Kelly is at the helm.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:50 AM ^
I would love to see UM do this, what a great cause. Great picture with the story also.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:57 AM ^
Thanks for sharing, it just gave me another reason to root for Cincy.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:19 AM ^
Michigan does the same sort of thing with Mott Children's Hospital and, in a way, Brock Mealer. It's not that I think it would be a bad idea, but I think you can only spread yourself so thin before you're not giving enough attention to one thing that needs it. I'd prefer to see the players/program continue to have strong relationships with Mott than adopt a single kid (although, like I said, it obviously wouldn't be a horrible thing).
October 15th, 2009 at 9:33 AM ^
My wife works as a pediatrician at Mott, and when I brought home the game program after the EMU game, she pointed at the cover (at Schilling, I think) and said "He was in the elevator with me the other day"
October 15th, 2009 at 10:47 AM ^
A couple years ago my nephew spent a couple of months at Mott. He said that there were athletes there constantly and he has a boatload of autographs to prove it. His mom said that it seemed like the hockey players were the most "into" visiting with the kids.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:34 AM ^
I would only want it if there was appropriate time to devote to it, and that might be a stretch as you say.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:55 AM ^
Great Article. Puts things into perspective as I start my morning.
Let's all go out and do one random act of kindness today.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:04 AM ^
Thanks for posting, always nice to be reminded that its more than just a game.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:17 AM ^
Great story. Its always good to hear about times when athletes play the role kids try to give them.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:22 AM ^
...Clearly the best team in the state of Ohio.
Cosign on doing a random act of kindness today. The smallest things you do can touch other people's lives.