Villanova's Szczur could save a life with bone marrow
Villanova's Szczur could save a life with bone marrow
DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff photographer
Villanova's Matt Szczur has made life-changing decision.
For Villanova's Matt Szczur, there was no decision to be made. Even if it would have meant possibly missing a playoff game, perhaps even a national title game, which he now knows it won't. The potential to save a life, in this case that of a 1-year-old girl suffering from leukemia, is too powerful a calling.
"You can do everything in sports, and everything in academics, but doing this is something incredible, you know," the junior wide receiver said yesterday before practice. "There really is no choice. Brian Flinn, my receiver coach, pulled me aside and told me, 'Look, no matter what you do, nobody's going to say anything. I know what you're going to do and you know what you're going to do, so don't even worry about it. You are going to save a life.'
"There was no doubt in my mind."
In September, Szczur, arguably the best all-around talent on Villanova's second-ranked FCS team if not in the entire Colonial Athletic Association, found out he was one of five matches for an individual in critical need of help. As a freshman, he had registered with other first-year Wildcats in the National Bone Marrow Donor Program, an effort in which 'Nova coach Andy Talley has been very proactive. On Monday, Szczur was told he was indeed the match, and there was a chance he might have to undergo the necessary 5-day harvesting procedure in mid-December. On Thursday, he discovered it will now take place in early January.
It wouldn't have made any difference.
"To be honest, I was so excited," Szczur said. "As a freshman I remember thinking, 'What are the chances of us getting called?' I was willing to do anything. For some reason, once I gave the blood [in September] I knew I was going to get a phone call back. I guess it's good news that she was able to wait [for another month]. It doesn't matter who it is. I guess it's going to help a newborn come into this world.
"One of my best friends had cancer when she was born. I know I'd do anything for her. She's in remission now . . . I thought about her when I got the call. She was the first one to know. I texted her."
The 'Cats (9-1) close the regular season this afternoon at home against Delaware (6-4). If they win, they'll be a top two or three seed, meaning they could play two or three home postseason games. The final is Dec. 18 in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Football is important. Sometimes, it isn't everything.
Several years ago, Wildcats kicker Joe Marcoux was a donor for a 50-year-old man. That story didn't have a happy ending. Maybe this time, Szczur will be able to meet with the recipient (following a mandatory 1-year waiting period). Perhaps he'll be able to show her a championship ring.
"I'd love to do that," he said.
Incredible might not even begin to describe it.
