Men’s basketball teams up to support young cancer patient
The Le Moyne men’s basketball team introduced their newest player this past week. He’s a natural talent and aggressive player in the paint, but he has a major difference from the rest of the Le Moyne team; he is only six years old.
Nathaniel Henry, from Cazenovia, NY, has been battling leukemia since his diagnosis in early 2012. Henry signed on with the team through a project with Team IMPACT. Team IMPACT is a non-profit organization that teams children battling illnesses up with college teams across the country. These children sign on with college athletic teams, which allow them to be a part of the team throughout their treatment periods.
As a part of his introduction, Henry created his own Dolphin Profile: a list of his favorite things. His favorite color is blue, favorite food is pizza and he cheers on the New England Patriots during the NFL season. Even though some of his other passions are swimming and hunting, he will be taking part in practices and sitting on the bench for Le Moyne’s basketball games.
Head Coach Steve Evans arranged the set-up with Team IMPACT, as well as a press conference to introduce this special athlete, which was held on Tuesday, Feb. 11. The majority of athletes from across the Le Moyne campus attended the press conference, where Evans and players from the team spoke before Henry officially signed and received his jersey.
“I really thought about this program and I think it touches what Le Moyne is all about,” Evans said in the press conference. “Not only our student-athletes, but around here service and giving back is something that we do here at Le Moyne and we do it really well.”
Sophomore Connor Mahoney was one of the players who stood on the podium and gave Henry a warm welcome to the team.
“We couldn’t be more excited about adding him to the roster,” Mahoney said to the crowded room of student-athletes and the Henry family. “After just meeting him on practice on Sunday, I know he’s exactly what this team needs.”
The squad, which sits at a 14-10 record and is vying for second place in their conference as of press time, has been struggling as of late. The team finished January with a five game winning streak. Since then, however, they’ve lost three of their last five games. Hoping to right the ship to end the season in second place, the ‘Phins have faith their newest team member will play a key role in their late season surge.
“His energy and his personality truly embodies what it means to be a Dolphin athlete and I know he’s a perfect fit for our program,” Mahoney said. “Coach Evans found a real star in Nathaniel.”
The press conference announcing Henry’s arrival to the team included a photo with his new team, an official Le Moyne basketball jersey and a constant smile across Henry’s face the entire afternoon.
“We’re looking forward to adding a new brother to our ‘Phin Fam,” Mahoney said. And this new and courageous brother might just be the inspiration they need to end their season on a high note.
