McCoy's Unit To Be Mobilized

Aug. 24, 2004

LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Kansas defensive end John McCoy was informed this week that his Army Reserve Unit will be soon be mobilized in support of the war on terror. McCoy and the 317th Quartermaster Battalion will depart for specialized training in Fort Riley, Kan., in the coming weeks. McCoy, a senior-to-be from Richwood, Ohio, has been a member of the Army since July 2000. He received notice on April 12 that his unit had been put on alert for mobilization.

“We support John as we support all of our troops,” said KU head coach Mark Mangino. “We pray for his safe and speedy return. Our team will definitely miss John this year. We expected him to have a big impact on the football field, but obviously there are more important things in life than football.”

Mangino is currently out of town visiting relatives but received the news from McCoy on Tuesday.

McCoy’s career with the military began after his senior year of high school in Richwood, Ohio. Without a scholarship to an NCAA I university, McCoy made a goal to pay for college on his own.

McCoy appeared in 12 games last season for the Jayhawks and recorded 11 tackles, including one quarterback sack. (7/14/04)