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ATHENS, Ohio – In 2024, the American Cancer Society reported over 2 million new cases of cancer in the U.S. It's something that has touched the lives of many, including graduate student running back Anthony Tyus III (Portage, Mich.) and redshirt junior offensive lineman Jake Skelly (Columbus, Ohio). 

With the Bobcats set to play in the Cure Bowl in a few days, the two reflected on how the game itself raises awareness for cancer research and recognizes those that are fighting cancer, have survived cancer or lost their battle. 

Anthony Tyus III 

Tyus is the oldest of four. He's been the big brother during the toughest moments for his siblings, but nothing could have prepared him for his sister, Aries, being diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of last summer. 

It was the beginning of football season, a time where the Tyus' are stretched across the U.S. The close-knit family knew that there wouldn't be as much traveling to games that season because they needed to stay home for her health. 

"Me and all my brothers, we play football, so my parents are traveling non-stop. it was definitely an adjustment," he said. 

With the help of her medical team and loved ones, Aries went into remission within a year. Over the summer, the Tyus family took a trip to Orlando because her favorite place is Walt Disney World. 
 

The Tyus family at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. 

Tyus continued to check in on his younger sister to make sure things were going well as she started school this fall. The two chatted about how Aries wanted to become a veterinarian and of course, football. 

However, Aries' health suddenly declined. On September 15, just one day after Ohio's game against Morgan State, she passed away. 

"She was a very kind spirit, always laughing, always funny and looking to start conversations," Tyus said. "Even through her treatment, she was always positive, optimistic."

Aries loved to watch her brothers play football. It showcased their drive and passion, and she wanted to see them succeed. That's why Tyus is dedicating his Cure Bowl performance to her. He even picked out special cleats for the occasion. 

It's a little surreal for Tyus because there were so many options for bowl games this season, and fate happened to bring him and the Bobcats to the Cure Bowl. He sees it as an opportunity to honor his sister and others who have had their lives impacted by cancer. 

After the game is over, the Tyus family plans to stay in Orlando a little longer. They're going to take another trip to Walt Disney World in Aries' honor.  

"We know that she may not be here with us physically, but she's here with us in spirit," Tyus said." It'll be a great experience in terms of locking in, focusing, because she loves supporting us and watching what we do. So, why not go out there and play a great game for her." 

Jake Skelly 

Skelly committed to Ohio on May 6, 2020, and one day later, he was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lypholalastic Leukemia.

The offensive lineman knew something was wrong before then, though. He noticed some abnormal bruising and bleeding after workouts. It was also odd that the 17-year-old had lost his appetite. That's what led him to seek medical attention. 

Skelly missed his senior season at Bishop Hartley while he went through chemotherapy. 

"COVID and cancer were not fun together," he said. "For the first half of the semester, I was stuck at home doing online school. I wasn't really seeing any friends or family, so that was tough. But, teachers, coaches and everybody, including coaches here (at Ohio) were all very helpful with everything." 

Every week Skelly made a trip to the hospital for his treatments and other checkups, all with the goal of being healthy by the time baseball season rolled around in the spring. 

He slowly ramped up his activity as he got better. The first time the doctors handed him a one-pound dumbbell, Skelly was confused. Lifting something that light was like lifting a backpack, but he soon realized that his body was not in the same shape it was before. 


Jake Skelly walks with his family on Senior Day 

What were supposed to be hour-long workouts often ended after 30 minutes because his body could not keep up. His rehabilitation was the first time Skelly was able to do rigorous physical activity since his diagnosis. 

After months of hard work, Skelly saw the baseball field that year, but it wasn't until he arrived to Athens in June that he started football activity again.

"I was like a kid in a candy shop. I was so happy that I was able to actually play a sport again. Instead, I was making random competitions with my doctor and things like that. I wasn't actually able to compete like that, so it was very fun for me," Skelly said. 


Jake Skelly at Nationwide Children's Hospital celebrating being cancer free.

Since returning to the gridiron, Skelly has played in 10 games for the Bobcats. 

"It means a lot (to play Division I football). It means that you are able to do anything you put your mind to," he said. "For a lot of people saying 'I don't know if that's the right thing for you to do' and all that, no, I'm still going to to this because I believe in myself and I believe in what I am able to do. It's nice to grasp that and run with it." 

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