Ark. St. coach takes depart as spouse battles most cancers

Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson is taking a depart of absence from the staff whereas this spouse, Wendy, battles most cancers for the second time prior to now three years, the varsity introduced Monday.

Defensive coordinator David Duggan will take over teaching duties throughout Anderson’s absence.

“There’s been an outpouring of help for Coach Anderson, Wendy and their household,” athletic director Terry Mohajir mentioned in a press release. “I’ve 100 % confidence in Coach Duggan, our soccer teaching employees and pupil management on this staff to maneuver us ahead.”

“We are going to proceed to wish for peace for his household and supply help any approach we are able to,” Mohajir mentioned

Wendy Anderson was recognized with an aggressive type of breast most cancers in 2017, and her husband took a short depart earlier than that season as she underwent therapy in Mexico. Additional surgical procedure to take away most cancers cells allowed her to make a full restoration. Nonetheless, the most cancers returned inside a yr.

Blake Anderson introduced in January that drug therapies had not been profitable on his spouse, Wendy. Nelson Chenault/USA TODAY Sports activities

Blake Anderson introduced in January that drug therapies had not been efficient, and in July, the household was knowledgeable that Wendy’s most up-to-date rounds of chemotherapy had been unsuccessful.

Duggan is in his first season at Arkansas State, however he served on the staffs at Southern Mississippi and North Carolina with Blake Anderson.

Anderson and his spouse have one daughter and two sons. Anderson has gone 39-25 in 5 seasons at Arkansas State.

Arkansas State opens at house towards SMU on Aug. 31.

The Related Press contributed to this report.