October 31, 2002

FURMAN'S MAYS SURGERY DEEMED SUCCESSFUL

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman football player Brandon Mays underwent successful surgery Wednesday for ulcerative colitis but he will remain hospitalized for several more days, the school's head athletic trainer Phil Hedrick said Thursday morning.

"Brandon had a portion of his intestines removed and he is doing much better, but he will probably remain in the hospital for at least another five to six days," said Hedrick, who indicated the redshirt freshman tailback's possible return to football "could not be determined at this time."

A former standout at T.C. Roberson High School in Arden, N.C., Mays entered Greenville's Saint Francis Hospital last Wednesday. He had been diagnosed with the condition in late September.

"We are certainly encouraged by the good news concerning Brandon's surgery and look forward to getting him back home as soon as possible," said Furman head coach Bobby Lamb.

Mays saw reserve action in the first four games of the 2002 season, rushing 18 times for 96 yards while also working on special teams. His last action came in Furman's 55-28 win over VMI on Sept. 28.