By Chris Berry,  '07 | Staff Reporter

Nick Battaglia is still going to practice, but is now watching from the sidelines with a torn ACL as his team faces the cold weather.

 Photo by Bryce Stone, '07

After something of a rough start to their first NCAA season, the Morrisville State College football team has drawn inspiration from a variety of sources—including one unique player.

 Nick Battaglia, a freshman from Cicero, N.Y. is not your ordinary wide receiver. He was born with a disability that left him with only one arm, an obstacle few athletes have had to overcome.

Growing up, Battaglia was inspired by former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbot, who has the same disability. Battaglia, like Abbot, deals with his disability every day, knowing that is an obstacle he himself can overcome.

Battaglia is appreciative for the chance to pursue his lifelong dream of playing football. "No matter what disabilities you have, you can always overcome it," he said.

In high school, Battaglia did not have the opportunity to play football. He acted as the team manager instead. During his junior year, however, he got the attention of several coaches at a college football combine. They became impressed with his strength after seeing him lift weights and run.

There, he spoke with coaches from all over the Eastern region of the United States. By his senior year, Battaglia had received seven letters from colleges including St. John Fisher, Capitol University in Columbus, O.H., and Morrisville State. Battaglia chose Morrisville for its location, close to his home, and so his parents can watch the games.

Although Battaglia was told he probably would not have a starting position on the team, he said, "That doesn't matter, as long as I can wear a uniform on Saturdays."

Everyone on the team treats Battaglia with respect. "It's all like one big brotherhood," he said.

Currently, the football team stands with a 1-6 record. They will close out this historic season at Brockport State College and Wesley College.

The team picked up their first-ever NCAA win on Sept. 30, for Mustang Weekend, after dropping their first four games. "It took us four weeks," Battaglia said, "But the feeling is unforgettable." He said he is pleased his mother was there to see the game, although he is sidelined with an injury.

Earlier in the season, during a drill at practice, Battaglia tore an Anterior Cruciate Ligament. He is now undergoing a six- to eight-week recovery period. Battaglia is optimistic and excited for next season, when he will be able to play. Along with the rest of the team, he is hopeful they will have a few more wins.

Morrisville State College student-athlete Nick Battaglia may be missing a limb, but one thing that he is not missing, is heart.