Nick Manzoni, one of the top three soccer players in the state, traded in his cleats this summer with the devastating news of a tumor in his leg. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a cancer that is generally developed around bones, but in Manzoni’s rare case, in his calf muscle. Even though he is enduring six months of chemotherapy and getting surgeries to overcome Ewings’s Sarcoma; he had to sit out of his senior soccer season.

He keeps his head up high, coming to every practice he can and cheering on the team from the sidelines of every game. Manzoni is one of the three captains and has high hopes for the team’s season.

“I think the team is getting things together and learning how to play as a team, there shouldn’t be a team in sections that can beat us,” Manzoni explained.

The team has a 8-6-2 record with high expectations heading into sections.

“I’m very proud of what our team has accomplished this season,” Manzoni said.

Manzoni has been sitting on the sidelines during games, but he has been able to run some drills with the team during practices. On Sept. 29 he had surgery to remove his tumor which will take him out of the game he loves for five to six months.

“I didn’t realize how much soccer meant to me. Being away from the game has been extremely tough, but the support of teammates, family and the community has guided me through this journey,” commented Manzoni. He is not just a leader to this team, but also a role model.

The boys soccer team plays every game in honor of Manzoni and will continue to be strong as a team throughout sections.

Catherine Braunschweig is Sports Editor for The Spartan Speaks