Comeback Story

Dallas Blocker, YSU’s No. 42 and a cancer survivor, is a finalist for a 10th annual V Foundation Comeback Award

Special to The Vindicator

Cary, N.C.

Youngstown State senior Dallas Blocker was recently named one the finalists for the 10th annual V Foundation Comeback Award.

The annual award is open to men and women collegiate basketball student-athletes in all divisions. It is awarded to an individual or a team who has accomplished a personal triumph in the face of true adversity, be it in health, life or moral dilemma. Student-athletes are nominated by their athletics department representative.

During a road trip to Chicago in February of 2009, his junior season, Blocker began to feel discomfort in his abdominal region. After returning home and following a multitude of tests, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer on Feb 10, 2009. He returned to his hometown, Topeka, Kansas, and missed the final seven games of the 2008-09 season.

After two surgeries to remove both testicles, Blocker returned to Youngstown and underwent chemotherapy.

This did not, however, stop Blocker, as he continued his workout regime during chemotherapy, first walking then shooting baskets and light weight training.

After his second round of treatment, Blocker caught the flu and was hospitalized. Last September,he was given a clean bill of health.

At the time of nomination, he had played in 21 games with 19 starts. This season Blocker set career single-game highs in rebounding (11), assists (seven) and blocks (four).

The V Foundation award is presented in conjunction with ESPN and the recipient will be announced March 30 during ESPN‚üs basketball coverage.

Other finalists are: D’Andre Bell, Georgia Tech; Brianna Culberson, Denver; Kelvin Davis, San Diego State; Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska; Sanchez Hughley, Florida Atlantic; Thomas Kleinschnitz, Franciscan University of Steubenville; Kristen Lucci, Waynesburg; and Dana Pernell Smith II, Longwood.

With a great show of respect, San Diego State‚üs Kelvin Davis was nominated by BYU coach Dave Rose, marking the first time a student-athlete was nominated by the coach of an opposing team. Both Davis and Rose are cancer survivors.

The award is presented in memory of Jim Valvano, the late basketball coach and ESPN commentator, whose personal battle with cancer inspired the creation of The V Foundation. In his memorable speech at ESPN‚üs inaugural ESPY Awards announcing the creation of The V Foundation, Valvano’s “Don’t give up ... don’t ever give up!” motto created a legacy from which the award was created.

The 2010 recipient will be selected by a six-member sub-committee of The V Foundation Board of Directors. Past recipients of the award are: Katie Douglas, Purdue (2001); Kristin Koetsier, Western Michigan (2002); Justin Allen, Arizona State (2003); Jamie Carey, Texas (2004); Kayla Burt, Washington (2005); Grant Dykstra, Western Washington (2006); the United States Military Academy Women’s Basketball Team (2007); Nicole Hester, Drexel (2008); Tiffara Steward, Farmingdale State (2009).