By Richie Cordero, '07 |Staff Reporter

Morrisville’s Dodrick Spencer (5) battles for a rebound during a contest against Hudson Valley Community College last season in this file photo. Spencer, this year’s team captain, was hospitalized for severe dehydration during the Mustangs' Feb. 3 game against Lehman College in the Bronx but is now back on campus.

Guard Dodrick Spencer was admitted to the hospital at the Mustangs game at Lehman College, on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Spencer, who is also the team’s captain, complained of experiencing chest and leg tightness late in the first half. At the start of the second half he was worked out on the sideline by the team’s trainer. When Spencer returned to the game, tightness in these areas returned, and came out for the rest of the game and was later admitted at a local Bronx, N.Y. hospital, he said.

The cause of Spencer’s symptoms appeared to be severe dehydration, and her received intravenous fluids, said Head Coach Brian Murphy. A lack of water, which helps in the delivery of blood to the muscles, caused Spencer’s muscles to constrict and tighten. Because of this factor, an athlete’s heart is forced to overexert itself to get necessary blood to vital parts of his body.

What could have transpired if Spencer had not received medical treatment soon enough, was heart or even kidney failure. He would remain in the hospital for a period of 48-hours and should be fine for the remainder of the season, said Murphy.

Amazingly enough, even with Spencer’s early exit, he managed to lead the team with 12 points in a losing effort. Certainly his strong effort, stressed his condition even further. Spencer was certainly missed in the following games against, Mitchell College, and SUNY New Paltz, said Murphy.

The details behind Spencer’s ordeal have not all been revealed due to a doctor-patient confidentiality agreement. What is certain, is that for a student-athlete, pressures of school, make performing at an athlete's peak potential consistently more difficult.

Whatever may have contributed to the symptoms felt by Spencer that day, one thing is clear. Seeing Spencer on campus since the incident, one change that is obvious is an ever-present 20 oz. bottle of water, showing he is committed to avoiding dehydration to occur in the future.