The newest members of Regis University’s sports teams are two young cancer patients added to the Ranger squads during a special ceremony Sept. 3 at the university’s field house.
Myles Krick, 11, of Edgewater, joined the baseball team; and Jamie Crook, 9 of Centennial, signed with the women’s soccer team, through a national nonprofit initiative Team IMPACT.
“To add Myles to our team is a blessing,” said baseball coach Christopher Terry, “and something I think everyone is going to cherish.”
Soccer coach J.B. Belzer echoed the sentiment.
“(It’s) inspiring for our staff, our players,” he said, “and for you Jamie and your family.”
Both students have undergone treatment since they were young: Krick (featured in the Denver Catholic Register June 17, 2009, “Catholic faith, community provide vital support to boy fighting cancer” ) for medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor; and Crook diagnosed with a rare liver cancer, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
The young signees received uniforms and lockers, and will participate in practices and join the teams from the sidelines during games.
Team IMPACT aims to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Regis was the first school in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference to host an IMPACT player, beginning last spring. Since then, nine more children have signed with Colorado teams.
