Updated 09/15/2012 11:27 AM
9-Year-Old to Coach U of R Football
For the eighth and final time the University of Rochester and St. John Fisher will face off in what's become more than just a football game. The annual Courage Bowl has been dominated by St. John Fisher. And while the cardinals hope to make it nine straight Saturday night, it’s the yellow jackets who have a little extra motivation.
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Even at the college level, football is still a game. That's what Lucas Lowe loves about it.
He said, "It's fun watching them catch the ball and run and score touchdowns and stuff."
At nine years old Lucas has already learned some things more important than sports.
"Take every day for what it's worth. And run with it. Every day is precious," said Maureen Warren, Lucas’s mother.
Last February Lucas was diagnosed with leukemia. He's already undergone months of chemo-therapy.
Lucas said, "When I started it, it hurt my legs really bad so I couldn't walk."
He has two more years of treatments to get through.
"It's hard to go through cancer,” Lucas added.
Right now Lucas can't play sports, but this week he's an honorary coach for the University of Rochester in the eighth annual Courage Bowl.
Lucas said, "I’m just happy to be the grandpa who made it all happen."
Gary Mervis is the founder camp good days and an assistant coach at St. John Fisher College. He came up with the idea to give kids who've been treated for cancer a chance to be part of the game.
Mervis said, "And for one night they get to experience what it would be like be on a college football team."
The honorary coaches and cheerleaders not only come to practice there on the sidelines after kick off.
"I have a few friends who think I’m nuts for letting him miss some school for this but I think it's amazing," said Warren.
It's a duty Lucas takes seriously and his advice to the players is simple.
Lucas said, "I want them to be active and to try and run as fast as they can and get touchdowns and stuff."
After all he's living proof a little courage goes a long way.
Lucas said, "I’m still here and I’m active and I’m being like a normal kid."
Courage Bowl Eight will be televised live on Time Warner Cable SportsNet Saturday night starting at 7:00pm. That's cable channel 26.