SAN MARCOS, Texas — A team can accomplish greater things outside of wins and losses, such as brotherhood and bringing joy to others, such as 14-year-old Mathiaz Rocha.
“To be able to help him out and watch the smile on the kid’s face and the tears of joy,” said Texas State head football coach Jake Spavital, “I think that’s the ultimate goal. You’re a part of this to help people out.”
Spavital and the Bobcats’ football program teamed up with Boston-based Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing serious and chronic illnesses through the power of a team.
In 2015 Mathiaz was diagnosed with a rare disorder called pseudotumor cerebri. His mother, Vicky Rocha, says her son has had multiple surgical procedures to his skull to alleviate pressure.
“It’s elevated pressure at the brain which mimics a brain tumor,” says Vicky Rocha. “There is no cure at this point.”
In between visits to Houston and Dallas with physicians and surgeons, Mathiaz now has 120+ reasons to smile. He signed a letter-of-intent to become a Texas State Bobcat and now has 120+ new brothers. Mathiaz will attend Bobcat practices, games, team dinners and events, an honor that triggered multiple emotions for Mathiaz.
Holding back the tears, he said, “It’s amazing. That’s all I can say.”
Mathiaz took a tour of the football facilities on campus, was greeted by a spirit line with Texas State cheerleaders, and his new Bobcat teammates cheered him on and took pictures with him during a signing day ceremony.
“I look forward to having him around for workouts, spring practice, even in the fall, to run out the tunnel with us and just be there with us,” says Texas State linebacker Gavin Graham.
I’ll have more on this story later on Kvue.com and on our newscast at 10 p.m.