BC player battling cancer

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year, has cancer.

Herzlich said Thursday he was diagnosed earlier this week with Ewing's Sarcoma after feeling pain in his leg and will undergo more tests in his home state of Pennsylvania.

Ewing's Sarcoma is a malignant tumor often found in bone or soft tissue.

Herzlich, of Wayne, Pa., said earlier this year that he would return to BC for his senior season. As a junior, he led the Eagles with 81 solo tackles and was one of two linebackers in the country with six interceptions.

Herzlich said he was determined to return to football after fighting the disease.

BC coach Frank Spaziani said Herzlich would fight the cancer with integrity, determination and focus.

PRESS RELEASE:

Boston College senior linebacker Mark Herzlich disclosed today that he has been diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a malignant tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue.

The following is a statement from Herzlich:

“This past week, I got some news nobody wants to hear. After undergoing some tests to determine the cause of some pain I had been experiencing in my leg, I learned that I have Ewing’s Sarcoma.

“Obviously, I was shocked. I had been extremely focused on preparing for my senior season at Boston College and for life beyond that. Now, I must channel all that energy into facing my toughest opponent yet, and that is exactly what I will do.

“I have returned to Pennsylvania to be near my family and to undergo a series of tests that will help my doctors determine the best course of treatment. I will keep you informed about my progress, but for now, I would like to ask for privacy as my family and I make some tough decisions.

“At this point, I do not know what this means for my football future, but I am determined to rid my body of this disease so that I can put that uniform back on. Thank you in advance for your prayers and concern. Together, we will fight this and win.”

The following is a statement from Coach Frank Spaziani:

“We all were stunned when we heard this news. Mark is a member of the BC football family and one of the most recognizable faces on our campus. From the day he stepped foot on our campus, he has been a leader on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

“When people think of Mark Herzlich, they think of a fearless individual who is always ready to take on a tough opponent. His integrity, determination and focus are unmatched. I know he will face this challenge with that same attitude.

“Our thoughts today are not on football, they are on Mark Herzlich. His health is our only concern, and we will stand beside him every step of the way.”

About Mark Herzlich (6-4, 238, Sr., LB, Wayne, PA):

In 2008, Herzlich was a first-team All-America selection by Rivals.com and Scouts.com and was a member of the AP All-America third team. He was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker, and a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy. He led the Eagles with 110 tackles, six interceptions, eight pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.