Community gathers to support Missouri football coach diagnosed with cancer [Video]

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) – One university in Missouri has asked the community to come together and support a renowned football coach who was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer.

Northwest Missouri State University announced on Saturday, Oct. 12, that legendary football coach Mel Tjeerdsma was recently and unexpectedly diagnosed with leukemia. He continues to undergo chemotherapy treatments.

“Our entire Northwest Missouri State University family sends our heartfelt support to Coach T, his family and friends,” University officials wrote. “We can’t wait to see [him] back on campus soon!”

Tjeerdsma retired from the Maryville institute in 2010 after he served as both coach and athletics director since he was hired in 1994. In 2018, he was inducted into the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on the game. He boasts a 74.4 winning percentage as well as three national championships. His 242 career wins are the 10th most by any NCAA Division II coach.

The legendary coach was named …