DB Godec relishes chance to play again

The junior has been suffering from an intestinal problem.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Unsure of his football future, Jake Godec took a giant step forward Thursday.
The Stambaugh Stadium lights; the fans dressed in red; the sounds of pads and helmets clacking: This was all nearly nonexistent for Godec.
"I thought I would have to sit out this whole season," said Godec, a junior defensive back on the Youngstown State football team.
Not anymore. Despite his battle with ulcerative colitis, Godec was cleared by doctors to play again.
Together again
That's why it was so meaningful for him to step onto the field for the Penguins' season opener against Edinboro.
"I decided to come back and give it a shot," he said. "It was just fun being out there with all my friends and just playing football again. It was a good time."
Godec hadn't played since late last season, and then he missed all of this spring's practice with the condition, which causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine.
Some symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite and loss of body fluids and nutrients.
"It was discouraging not being out there with my friends and my teammates, trying to help the team win," Godec said. "I couldn't do much standing on the sideline."
Youngstown State coaches brought Godec along slowly during two-a-day workouts.
"When guys were running at practice, I would do push-ups or sit-ups," he said. "I didn't want to get overworked."
Under control
Godec, a Pittsburgh native, said he feels fine. He does, however, take precautions, such as avoiding stressful situations and maintaining a healthy diet.
"It started about the middle of last season, and I tried to get to the end of the year," Godec said. "It just got too bad."
He was forced to miss the Penguins' season-ending game against Samford.
"The doctor said it would be a good idea to sit the next year out, if I could," Godec said.
But he didn't want to risk losing a year of football if the condition could be controlled.
"You just have to keep track of it," he said. "[Symptoms] could occur at any time. I might not have any for a couple of years, but then I could have one tomorrow."
Godec admitted to feeling nervous when he ran onto the field Thursday.
"But once I got out there, I was good," he said.
Godec made four tackles and assisted on another. He also played on special teams.
richesson@vindy.com