Shippensburg University hosted its third-straight Coach To Cure MD event Saturday, with the surprise return of Ethan Pyles, a 15-year-old boy battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Pyles was the star of the show last year, joining the players and coaches in supporting the fight against muscular dystrophy. Pyles receives weekly infusions from an experimental drug program to try to combat the disease.
This year, Pyles got to be an honorary captain, participating in the pre-game coin toss and several touchdown celebrations. The Red Raiders presented Pyles with the game ball after the team’s victory over Lock Haven University.
The Coach To Cure MD initiative is an annual event hosted by collegiate programs around the country to raise awareness about muscular dystrophy with the hope that a cure can be found.
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) created the Coach To Cure program in 2008, marking Saturday’s event as the 10th consecutive season the AFCA has brought awareness to muscular dystrophy through football.
Pyles was also joined by another Red Raider fan, Gunnar Downie, a 6-year-old boy who has been battling brain tumors. Downie was invited to visit with the team earlier this season, signing a contract to be a part of the squad.
“As much as it’s fun to win and we’re here to do that on the field, it’s also about those two men and to help them fight their battles and support them,” SU head coach Mark Maciejewski said. “That is a true victory right there.”
The Slate welcomes thoughtful discussion on all of our stories, but please keep comments civil and on-topic. Read our full guidelines here.