Ottawa kicker Sandro Sciortino undergoes surgery
October 1, 2004 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA âOttawa Renegades kicker Sandro Sciortino is recovering well in his hometown of Markham, Ontario after undergoing surgery on a non-football related matter Tuesday.
Sciortino, a rookie on the football club, had an operation that removed a cyst, and his left testicle, at a Toronto hospital earlier this week. After meeting with specialists and doctors over the last two weeks, it was deemed that the medical procedure was necessary for the 25-year-old. A biopsy of the cyst revealed that the growth was cancerous, leading to the surgery â performed by Dr. Milad Barsoum at York Central Hospital.
"Sandro is a strong young man, and most importantly, we're pleased that he is going to be okay," said Renegades head coach Joe Paopao. "I'm so glad for him that things worked out so well and that it looks like he is going to be fine."
After a strong collegiate career at Boston College, Sciortino arrived in the nation's capital prior to training camp and won the vacant kicking job. He has already kicked two game-winning field goals for the Renegades â both against Calgary. His latest heroics came on September 17th, when he kicked a 53-yarder to give the âGades a dramatic 26-24 victory. That last-second boot was the longest in the Canadian Football League this season.
"It's more adversity and I'm used to it. I've been used to it my whole life and I'll keep fighting no matter what happens. But I'll be okay," assured Sciortino on Friday, in his usual, very good spirits. "I just want to figure out if I can get back and be playing football soon! I believe I can get through this."
A locker room favourite, Sciortino also had a message for the players he suits up week after week with.
"Tell them to keep fighting," he said. "And that I'll be ready."
Sciortino continues to undergo precautionary medical tests in Toronto, and is commuting back and forth to Markham, where he presently is spending his time off during the Renegades bye week.
Canadian Football League Stories from October 1, 2004
- CFL names players of the month - CFL
- Eskimos visit dozens of schools for Read-In Week - Edmonton Elks
- Ottawa kicker Sandro Sciortino undergoes surgery - Ottawa Renegades
- Get a free Renegades ticket with Grey Cup order - Ottawa Renegades
- Grace Wins Back-to-Back Player of the Month Honours - Calgary Stampeders
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
