Following Cancer Battle, Horseheads' Michael Rennells To Bowl At Spring Arbor University

Horseheads High School senior Michael Rennells admitted there were times during his cancer battle when he wondered if any potential landing spot for him to bowl collegiately would slip away to someone else.

The commitment from Spring Arbor University coach Gerry Lobdell never wavered amid the uncertainty that came with Rennells' diagnosis and treatment. Rennells reciprocated with a commitment of his own, signing a letter of intent May 13 to compete at the NAIA program in Michigan during a ceremony at Crystal Lanes in East Corning.

"Signing with a college program has always been my dream, but getting a school like this that knew everything that was going on and still believed in me and everything, they didn't change anything," Rennells said.

"Even if (Lobdell) knew I wasn't going to bowl well and all that, he just still believed in me. I'm proud to at least be able to bowl and have a great coach, too."

Lobdell, who said he tries to attend all of his program's signings, made the roughly 500-mile drive from Michigan to Crystal Lanes. More than 20 others joined Rennells and his parents, Ted and Tricia, as he signed at the front end of one of the lanes.

Rennells, 17, was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma early last summer, then completed a series of 12 chemotherapy treatments in January.

He persevered through the impact of chemo to complete his senior season at Horseheads. He posted a 214 average, qualified for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament, then ranked eighth in the Division I boys composite state competition with a six-game score of 1,341.

"The best compliment I could give him is that if he would have never told me what he was going through, I would have never known," Horseheads bowling coach Steve Micknich said. "He showed up to practice every day, he acted like everything was just fine.

"I think bowling took a lot of stress off him. It let him occupy his mind with what he likes to do so much."

More: 'The strongest kid I know.' How Michael Rennells of Horseheads conquered cancer

During a visit to the Spring Arbor campus, Rennells met with the bowling team and toured the campus with Lobdell. Rennells has already made a strong connection with some of his future teammates and coach.

"Just the way he treats you and everything, he makes you feel wanted," Rennells said of Lobdell. "You go around the campus and everyone knows who he is, so you know bowling is one of the upper sports and programs that they have."

Lobdell said he was impressed by Rennells' passion for bowling and a work ethic Lobdell said will fit in at Spring Arbor.

The connection between the two extended beyond bowling.

"I’ve actually had a brother who went through the same thing, so I could relate to what he was going through and understand, and understand what he was missing out on but how hard he was willing to work to get back to where he was before the chemo and he’s done that," Lobdell said.

Lobdell added it will be "a fun ride" watching how Rennells grows at Spring Arbor.

Micknich said he expects Rennells to do great, adding he is the most committed bowler he has coached in 20 years at Horseheads. Rennells said he plans to boost his scoring average by at least six pins his freshman season.

"He's so mature for being a high school boy," Micknich said. "To battle through everything he's gone through. Always comes out on top, never really faltered with anything going on. He's just a great kid."

Rennells plans to major in exercise science, then pursue his master's degree in athletic training.

He went through several index cards of people while thanking his supporters. Rennells singled out highly accomplished PBA Tour veteran Ryan Shafer of Horseheads for his help.

The signing took place at the same venue Rennells learned he was cancer free while bowling with his dad.

"Most of this is happening through all the support I got through the cancer treatment," Rennells said. "Even before that, but once the cancer journey came around and there was more people around. This is awesome."

Follow Andrew Legare on Twitter: @SGAndrewLegare. You can also reach him at alegare@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today

This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Horseheads senior Michael Rennells commits to Spring Arbor University