September 13, 2002
NORTHERN ILLINOIS TAILBACK THOMAS HAMMOCK FACES FURTHER MEDICAL TESTS,
EVALUATIONS
DeKALB, IL --- Nothing
has changed---status-wise---for Northern Illinois University senior tailback
Thomas Hammock, NIU head athletics trainer Phil Voorhis said Friday (September
13) morning.
After consulting with
a cardiovascular specialist, Hammock will now undergo further testing
and evaluations for the heart-related condition next week. The 5-foot-8,
211-pound preseason Doak Walker National Runningback Award candidate will
not suit up for Saturday’s (September 14) football game at the University
of Wisconsin.
“Tests have indicated
a thickened area in Thomas’ heart which is normal for athletes,”
Voorhis said. “But there is a concern that the thickening represents
something more substantial. We have been referred to another cardiovascular
specialist and will pursue the best medical care for Thomas. We will take
as much time as needed to complete the necessary tests and examinations.”
Hammock (Fort Wayne,
IN / Bishop Luers) suffered from some discomfort following the Huskies’
42-41 overtime triumph over Wake Forest University on August 29. In that
game, Hammock topped all rushers with 172 yards and two touchdowns on
38 carries and earned Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive
Player of the Week honors.
The performance vs.
WFU marked the 12th 100-yard game in his career---and Northern Illinois
had won nine of those.
In the preseason,
Hammock was named on the Street & Smith’s College Football Honorable
Mention All-America squad and rated the nation’s No. 22 runningback
by Lindy’s 2002 Football. During the last two years, Hammock made
First-Team All-MAC and doubled as a Verizon-College Sports Information
Directors of America First-Team Academic All-America selection while rushing
for 1,083 yards in 2000 and 1,096 yards in 2001.
Since the 1982-83
academic year, Hammock and former Virginia All-America runningback Tiki
Barber are the only two players in National Collegiate Athletic Association
Division 1-A football to make back-to-back First-Team Academic All-America
and compile two consecutive four-digit running campaigns.
(For further information,
please contact Mike Korcek) -30-
