West Valley and Idaho football player Collin Sather battles cancer
MOSCOW, Idaho — The University of Idaho football team will rally around one of its own this season. As the Vandals continue winter conditioning and head into spring practice, they will be without redshirt freshman wide receiver Collin Sather. Sather, 18, is battling advanced renal (kidney) cancer and is undergoing dialysis and chemotherapy at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Wash.
“We are with Collin every day during this fight,” said head coach Paul Petrino. “He is a great young man and the model of a great teammate. Everyone in our program cares a lot about him and he will always be a valued member of this team. We keep Collin and his family in our thoughts and prayers each day. We are here to help him keep fighting and we will be here to welcome him back when he wins his battle.”
Sather began experiencing stomach pains Jan. 17, and was taken to the hospital Jan. 21. Once he stabilizes, Sather will be transferred to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for a consultation and further treatment.
“Collin is an incredible young man – a talented student, a loyal teammate and a friend for so many in our U of I community,” said U of I President Chuck Staben. “He and his family have the love and support of the entire Vandal Family as they take on this fight.”
Sather’s time in the hospital has been highlighted by visits from friends and family, including U of I teammates, coaches and staff. He has also been uplifted by hearing from those who have overcome what he is battling.
“The entire Athletic Department is behind Collin and his family,” said Interim Director of Athletics Pete Isakson. “We know Collin is going to fight this with everything he has, and I encourage our Vandal community to match that with unwavering support for him and his family.”
A Spokane native, Sather is a 2018 graduate of West Valley High School where he was a multi-sport standout. He earned first-team All-Great Northern League recognition in football and basketball for the Eagles. Sather was a high school teammate of fellow Vandal football student-athletes Tevin Duke and Connor Whitney.
