FLORHAM PARK, NJ -- The Syracuse Orange football team is in full practice mode as it prepares for the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl on Thursday, and one very interested observer is trying to lend a hand wherever he can.
Senior punter Rob Long accompanied his fellow team captains and coaches to the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday morning, where they met with their counterparts from Kansas State and took part in the ringing of the market’s opening bell.
CNY Central reporter Niko Tamurian spoke with Long after the ceremony, and says Rob still has the same bright smile SU fans have seen for all four of his years on the Hill. Long says that other than not playing in the game this week, he is still taking part in team events, including the activities scheduled by school and bowl officials.
When asked if there was anything he wanted to say to his fans back in Central New York, Rob said he couldn’t believe the outpouring of support, and he’s thankful for it.
The support Rob is receiving has stretched halfway across the country, from one Manhattan (New York) to another (Kansas). Kansas State coach Bill Snyder spoke with Long Monday night, and says he came away thoroughly impressed with just how great of a person Rob is. Snyder says he shared some advice, based on people he knows who went through similar experiences.
SU head coach Doug Marrone echoed Snyder’s sentiments, adding that he knows the team is going continue to support Rob as he battles his illness. Long is scheduled to undergo aggressive radiation and chemotherapy treatment next month to combat malignant cells found in a tumor removed from his brain on December 14.
Long was at practice Tuesday, watching from the sidelines at the New York Jets' facility in New Jersey. He got into the action for a while, coaching replacement punter (and placekicker) Ryan Lichtenstein on some of the finer points of punting, as well as helping backup quarterback Charley Loeb with his placeholding technique. In addition to being a nationally-ranked punter, Long is also the primary holder on field goal attempts.
The inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl takes place on Thursday at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. The game will be telecast on ESPN at 3:30 p.m.
