Louisiana Tech running back diagnosed with Cancer

Part of being an athlete or a sports fan is the competition, the trash talk, and bragging rights we gain when we conquer a rival on the field or court. But, sometimes there are things that are bigger than the game, things that make us as fans put aside the rivalry and competition and bond with our fellow fans and athletes as humans. 

The announcement made today by Louisiana Tech's head coach Skip Holtz that his sophomore running back Jaqwis Dancy has been diagnosed with stage three Hodgkins Lymphoma is one of those times. Dancy who was heavily recruited in the south coming out of high school and chose the Bulldogs over SEC schools like Arkansas and Missouri has yet to appear in a game in 2016. After getting playing time as a reserve back and kick returner in 13 games in 2015, the Junction City, Arkansas native was expected to be featured heavily in the Tech backfield this year. But, an ankle injury just before the start of the season kept Dancy on the sidelines. 

What appeared to be a major blow to the running back's season and his chances of playing time, may, in fact, end up saving his life.  It was while he was rehabbing the ankle earlier this season that Dancy first mentioned problems with his lymph nodes to the Bulldogs training staff. Dancy spent last week at the St. Jude Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee according to Holtz and is set to begin his treatment immediately. 

"It's been hard because when you're first told about the 'C' word it's shocking," Holtz said. "Especially, you're a 19-year old sophomore involved in college athletics. You feel physically fit and healthy. Jaqwis is in a whole different battle now." 

The good news for Dancy is that Hodgkins Lymphoma is considered one of the most curable forms of cancer with a five-year survival rate of 80 percent for those diagnosed with stage three according to the research site cancer.org. Just last year Pittsburgh running back James Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma as well, albeit stage two. Conner was able to beat the disease in time for the Panthers 2016 season opener. 

Let's hope for a similar outcome in this situation, the thoughts and prayers of every Conference USA and college football fan are with you, Jaqwis.