SPELLMAN'S SEASON ENDS EARLY; TEAM RALLIES AROUND INJURY

Feb. 16, 2009

With a win over first-place Lasell College on Saturday, February 7th, the Saints won their third consecutive game, but it came at a heavy price. Co-captain and senior leader Mack Spellman (Clinton, N.Y.) ruptured his achilles tendon, ending his season. The gritty and talented forward's collegiate career came to an abrupt end, when he landed awkwardly on his right foot in the second half of the battle at Lasell. Spellman was second on the team in scoring with 14 points per game, while leading the team in rebounding, (9 per game), and assists (3 per game). He finishes his career at Emmanuel as the school's all time leading rebounder with 837 boards, and second on the all-time scoring list, with 1,496 points. Spellman was a three-time All-Conference selection and three-time Emmanuel team-captain.

Beyond statistics, in his four years Spellman helped elevate the men's basketball program to a new level. He has earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches through his tireless effort in games and practices, in addition to becoming a vocal leader. "In four years, I have never seen Mack take a practice off...ever. It's a terrible misfortune the way his career ended but what he has accomplished is forever etched in Emmanuel history." says Head Coach Jamahl Jackson.

Assistant Coach Darwin Zook added, "Mack is a fierce competitor, leader and flat out winner. Mack does whatever it takes, whether scoring 20 points, getting 15 rebounds, or diving for a loose ball. It's a tough time for him right now, but he doesn't let it show. He truly cares about his teammates and what the team can still accomplish this year. It's a true credit to who Mack is as a person."

Spellman's teammates have already used their fallen captain's injury as a rallying cry. They have gone on to win their next two games, with a variety of players stepping up to meet the challenge of making up for Spellman's loss. "Mack inspires his teammates and he is so mentally and physically tough. The way everyone has responded in their play since his injury is a credit to this team and it's also a credit to Mack and what he means to this program," said Assistant Coach Steve Tower.

The Saints, now in third place in the Conference standings, continue to charge forward... with Spellman still vocal, still leading and still inspiring. Only now, he will be doing it from the sidelines, as the Saints look to march to their first-ever GNAC title.