STEPHAN TAYLOR Age 21
Stephan was recruited from St. Francis High School in
1999 as a varsity running back. Shortly after coming to GCC, he was
diagnosed with leukemia. Stephan was forced to drop all of his classes and
missed the entire fall semester. He underwent intensive chemotherapy and
returned to his academic studies part-time in spring ’01 with the use of a
cane. He spent six months in physical therapy, and then used GCC’s fitness
center to build back the nearly 70 pounds he had lost during his illness.
Due to his tremendous spirit, love of the game, and the
support of many, he continued vigorous training and returned to GCC football
and his academic classes. He was selected by the college for the National
Football and College Hall of Fame, and received that award in ’02. With the
encouragement of Coach Cicuto, he became a member of the GCC Quarterback
Club and also team captain in ’01-’03. Stephan has tutored other GCC
students and was an ASG Honors Club member for three semesters. He
completed 84 units with a 3.07 overall average, and has met his IGETC
requirements to transfer in ‘03 as a Business Administration major. Stephan
praises the support and encouragement of Cicuto and the athletic staff,
which played a large role in his progress. He says that they were like a
second family for him.
In clinical remission for two years, Stephan is
currently attending Kansas Wesleyan University and was on the starting line
up for his first season. He plans to continue as a business major and would
like to stick with football, “as far as it will take him.” Stephan credits
GCC’s dedicated staff and smaller class sizes for his success, and thanks
GCC counselor Troy Davis for helping him to focus in the right direction. |
