Stampede is Really La Familia
March 2, 2012 - American Indoor Football (AIF)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA (March 2, 2012) - This isn't a Stampede Press Release. This is a letter from your Coach to my Friends, Fans and My Family. When I say my family, there is certainly my wife and children and all my blood family. But my players, coaches and fans are equally as much a part of my family.
This season for me, means so many different things. I am back coaching with life-long friend Kenny Miller. As well Bill Sellers is back on my staff. Having Justin take over the team ownership and the friendship we have developed over the last 2 years means more to me than he will ever know. Having Rick Marsilio and Jake Minnich back with me also makes this season more meaningful and my players always become extended sons and I wouldn't want it any other way. I also look forward to working with Bentz Tozer, our new coach.
This season has become a fight not only for an AIF Championship but a fight for life and family. On February 29th as I went for what I thought was a routine doctor's follow-up appointment, I was informed and diagnosed with Stage 2 Multiple Myeloma, which is a plasma type of cancer. I was told I have a mass between my right hip and spinal cord. An area that I have had bouts of pain with for many years. I go for 6 month check-ups and get blood work done regularly, but this time something was found. I was sitting there with my wife Jill devastated. All I could think about was my wife, my children, my friends and that I am not ready to give any of them up.
Without hesitation, I had a bone marrow biopsy in the office and made my first chemo appointment for Friday March 2nd. I am going to fight this with the same vigor and intensity that I live life and coach. I am going to work, I am going to coach, I am going to get my treatments and I am going to remain with my Family, Friends, Fans and Players for a very long time. I draw strength from so many people but especially Kenny, who when coaching with me several years ago, was diagnosed with throat cancer. He never faltered and always fought and here we are back on the sidelines together. We have been like brothers for over 19 years and that relationship has a long way to go and continue.
This is not a letter to be sad about or feel bad. It's a letter about Strength, Will Power, Determination, Love and Family. All too often we take those things for granted and wait until it's too late to change things. I am asking you all to take none of those things or any of the people in your lives for granted, I promise I won't and I am going to be stompin up and down those side-lines starting April 7 leading the Stampede with my La Familia of Coaches and Players. Then I am going to hug and kiss my wife and children and hang out with all our fans.and I plan on doing this for a Long Long Time to come. I have been told that part of the battle is keeping a positive mental outlook and to keep strong positive people by your side. Well I have both of those, but I sure would like to have a larger support group. You want to make your Coach feel your support? Bring your smiling, yelling, caring self and your friends to every Stampede game, give me a thumbs up and we will all beat this togetherour Stampede mantra, La Familia, be a part of it.
American Indoor Football Stories from March 2, 2012
- Stampede is Really La Familia - Harrisburg Stampede
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