Friends of Alfred Athletics Launch Drive to Aid Injured Player
September 15, 2006
Alfred University football player Julio Fuentes recently suffered a neck injury which may require extensive medical attention. Please see the Alfred University release below for more information:
The Friends of Saxon Athletics (FSA) is launching a special fund-raising appeal to benefit Julio Fuentes, a sophomore criminal justice major who was injured in Saturday’s (Sept. 9) football game against Thiel College.
Fuentes, a running back, was blocking on the kick-off return during the opening play of the second half when he collided with a Thiel player. Taken first to St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, NY, Fuentes was transferred later that afternoon to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, where he remains in “guarded” condition in the Intensive Care Unit. “Guarded” means he is still being evaluated to determine the extent of his injuries.
“Everyone on campus and many of our alumni who are aware of Julio’s injuries wanted to do something to help him and his family out,” said Mark Shardlow, a 1983 alumnus and director of Alumni and Community Relations for the University. “Julio is just a great kid, easily one of the most popular members of the team and one of the best-liked students on campus. When something like this happens, people just want to do what they can to make things easier for him and his family.”
Alfred University is a member of Division III of the National Collegiate Athletics Association, which has strict rules about benefits that may be given to athletes. For that reason, Shardlow said, any funds raised through FSA will be specifically earmarked for “medical supplies, medical equipment and medical treatments” for Fuentes that are not covered by the University’s insurance.
He said donations from alumni, the campus community and the general public may be sent to Friends of Saxon Athletics, in care of University Relations, Alfred University, Alfred, NY 14802. Checks should be clearly marked “Julio Fuentes Recovery Trust Fund.”
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Alumni and Community Relations at 607.871.2144 or by e-mailing alumni@alfred.edu
Shardlow said FSA is coordinating its fund-raising appeal with community-based efforts. Friends of the Fuentes family have established the Julio Fuentes Recovery Trust Fund through the Alfred branch of Community Bank.
Fuentes is a graduate of Olean, NY, High School, where he was named a Third Team Class B All-State selection, as well as First Team Western New York All-Star, a Big 30 All-Star and an All-League selection as a linebacker.
Fuentes played third-down back as a freshman with the 2005 Saxon football team. He rushed for 333 yards and a pair of scores, and also caught 22 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 21.1 yards on nine kick-off returns.
For Shardlow, who is spearheading the FSA appeal that is being mailed today to AU alumni, parents and friends who are interested in Alfred University athletics, the effort is especially meaningful. Shardlow was an All-American defensive tackle and a stand-out on the 1981 team that went 10-1 and earned the school’s only berth in the NCAA Division III Championships. He was an assistant football coach at AU for 10 years, and will be inducted into its Hall of Fame later this month.