OT: MSU O-lineman cleared to practice after battle with cancer
I'm usually not one to post new topics, but I didn't see this anywhere else on here, and I felt it was relevant.
MSU Offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. was cleared to practice again after being diagnosed with leg cancer four years ago. All school affiliations aside this is a great story, and I'm very happy for the kid.
*Edit:
Here's a second Link to a piece Rittenberg did on him a while back.
That's just a great story. I don't care if he never sees the field for a meaningful snap; that kid has a lot to be proud of.
Yeah for something like this, rivalry is one thing, but a second chance to play the game that you love is another. Good luck to him, even though he is a Sparty.
Finally, a guy that SHOULD be back on MSU's roster. I wonder what a kid like that - who battles through everything he has had to battle through just to live, and then to go the extra mile to get back onto his college football team - thinks of the jackasses who take their lives and football careers for granted. If I coached a college team, I would try to find an upperclassman like this kid (obviously not every class has a cancer survivor, but most classes have a kid who has sacrificed a lot to reach that point) talk to all of the incoming freshman about what needs to go through their mind when they are considering doing something stupid that could risk their future.
Even if not "meaningful" I don't know how, if I were his coach, I could resist finding some way to get him on the field, Rudy-style.
I wish him the best except against us. The kid must be thrilled.
hope it goes well for the guy!
I wish him nothing but health and good fortunes off the field. And nothing but pain and misery between the goal lines. Go medical advancement, and go blue!
That's great! I thought it made for a cool commercial. Nice to get closure, too. thanks for posting.
As always, stories like these serve as an inspiration to everyone. If you think you have it tough, these are the kind of men and women who prove to you that you don't. I have a lot of respect for anyone who beats cancer. I hope this kid gets a standing ovation at their first home game, he certainly deserves it.
so i went to rivals just to look at his star rating for the class he was going to be in and in 2007 msu had 2 incoming freshmen named chris rucker.
...who overcomes cancer has my utmost respect and admiration.
Good to hear this. Hope he stays clear.
Ive been hearing about Arthur for as long as his diagnosis. They mentioned the Arthur Ray fund at everygame ive been to at spartan stadium with my family and Ive always had a soft spot for him and hoped he got better. awesome news!
Great news for him -- I wish him the best of luck.
Our family is friends with this kid, Mark Herzlich, who played at Boston College. He was sidelined by Ewing's Sarcoma after his All-American junior year, but he came back and played last year.
the great news just keeps coming! Congrats to that young man and I hope he doesnt have anymore hurdels in living out his dream. Good luck!