Stahl has cancer on the run

Sandwich's Ethan Stahl is a cross country runner who battled testicular cancer.

 

 

(Marianne Mather/Beacon News)

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SANDWICH -- To excel in cross country, it takes steady legs, decisiveness, quiet courage and a pack mentality.

All these attributes in Ethan Stahl were put to the test in February when the Sandwich runner was diagnosed with Stage 2 testicular cancer.

The news was devastating, but not enough to knock the fight out of Stahl or his steadfast teammates -- including his twin brother, Aaron.

"I wanted to get it (kicking cancer) done with," Ethan said. "I wasn't worried as much as others were. I kind of knew I would be OK."

According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, if found early. Athletes such as seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and Olympic gold medal skater Scott Hamilton have overcome the disease.

"(The cancer) wasn't as bad as it could have been," Stahl said. "I was fortunate."

Throughout his ordeal, the Sandwich community rallied around the teen, with some people even shaving their heads bald in solidarity. Stahl said his teammates were motivational when they would say he "would kick its butt."

"The teachers were awesome," he said. "They were really good about homework, especially if I wasn't feeling good. ... I eventually got it done and passed junior year."

After surgery and a round of chemotherapy, Stahl was given the all-clear, and not long after he was lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavement.

Inspired by Armstrong's success after cancer, Stahl decided "it is better to get back on track and try harder" than feel sorry for himself.

"I didn't expect anything less of him," Sandwich coach Jeff Smith said, "when he was physically able."

Smith knew Stahl would be ready to go by track season, when he competes in the 800- and 1600-meter events, but "honestly didn't think he would be back for the cross season. I didn't want to get my hopes up."

It wasn't until June, when Smith saw Stahl working out with his teammates, that he thought it possible to include Ethan in cross country plans.

"We are all excited and I know Ethan is excited to be back," Smith said. "His character and leadership has always been something that I have admired. He was our first choice for captain this year."

While still recuperating, Stahl is only 30 seconds off his pace from the start of last season. At a recent meet in Rochelle, he placed 16th and helped Sandwich win the five-team open meet. His time of 17 minutes, 52 seconds was less than two minutes off the pace of teammate Steph Clark, who won the meet.

Doctors say he should be 100 percent by the end of this month, just in time for the IHSA postseason.

The Indians were ranked as one of the top 25 teams in Class AA at the beginning of the season and are hoping to improve on last year's second-place finish in the Interstate Eight Conference and at the Princeton Regional. They placed 12th at the difficult Belvidere Sectional.

"Our team is really determined to get to state this year," Stahl said. "It's going to be a fun season." Boys Cross Country Focus