[lightbox style=”modern” image_path=”http://www.polyspotlight.com/wp-content/uploads/baldies.jpg” popup=”” link_to_page=”http://www.polyspotlight.com/wp-content/uploads/baldies.jpg” target=”” description=”” size=”two_col_large”]A few Poly football players show off their shaved heads in support of teammate Cody Smith
SUPPORT: Members of the Poly football team decided to shave their heads to show support for their teammate Cody Smith in his battle against cancer.
by Griffin Ferre, Copy Editor
After winning seven Tour de France titles, cancer-survivor Lance Armstrong gained enough publicity to start his own charity, Livestrong, which raised awareness for cancer research. While Armstrong is perhaps the most well-known cancer survivor, cancer affects ordinary people every day. One such example of this is Poly football player Cody Smith (11). Smith, a talented linebacker, was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer and, in addition to having to undergo painful treatment, is unable to play football for the rest of the year.
Despite these troubling times, Smith can take comfort in knowing that he has the full support of his team. In a touching gesture, the majority of his teammates decided to shave their heads in order to show their support for Smith and help make him feel more comfortable. The idea, which had first been suggested by Leighton Silva (11)’s father, was championed by Aaron Thomas (12).
“After I heard the idea, I announced it to the team and then, the Thursday before the Canyon Springs game while we were in the team room, I went around with some clippers and shaved the head of anybody who was willing,” Thomas explained.
Eventually, almost every player shaved his head. The team then got together to take a picture of all their glistening domes and sent it to Smith so that he could see his team’s support.
“I think that the team shaving their heads was a really considerate gesture and I think it shows that the Poly football team is going against the usual negative stereotype of football players,” Alejandra Perez (12) said.
The team has also supported Smith in other ways. It initiated a shoe drive for students to donate their old shoes in order to help support him. Also, he was able to attend the team’s game against Arlington and walk out with the captains to the coin toss before the start of the game.
Poly has played well since going bald. The team has won two games, including an impressive upset over powerhouse Rancho Verde.
“Yeah, I do think it has brought us some good luck,” Thomas said.
While battling cancer is a terrible experience, the Poly football players are doing all they can to help ease the pain.