June 11, 1998
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern fullback Matt Hartls Hodgkins disease has come out of remission. The fifth-year senior will miss the 1998 football season. Hartl was originally diagnosed with this form of cancer in August 1996. He missed the 1996 season while going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Hartl made a triumphant return in 1997, starting in 11 contests for the Wildcats.
Hartl recently began feeling fatigued. He underwent a series of tests and the Hodgkins was diagnosed on Tuesday. Hartl will begin chemotherapy treatments within the next two weeks.
"The Northwestern football family is deeply saddened by this news," said head coach Gary Barnett. "Matt is a tremendous fighter and I know that he will win this battle. We all feel optimistic that he will beat this disease."