Marymount University Senior DJ Tayman Named CAC Unsung Hero
June 14, 2007
Marymount University Senior DJ Tayman Named CAC Unsung Hero
Marymount University senior men's lacrosse player DJ Tayman (Pasadena, MD/Mt. St. Joseph) has been named as the 2006-2007 Capital Athletic Conference Unsung Hero, as selected by the league's athletic directors and sports information directors.
Tayman, when faced with softball-sized tumor in his chest, made sure that he was not only going to beat the cancer but also return to play lacrosse at Marymount. Doctors had initially said he would never play again and then reluctantly allowed him to go back on the field. Tayman had the tumor removed in the summer of 2005 and immediately started chemotherapy and radiation. When fall ball started in 2006, he completed the treatment but was 60 pounds lighter and had lost all of his hair. He was voted an honorary captain by his teammates in 2006 and attended all but two practices (due to doctor appointments) and was on the sidelines for every game.
After being fitted for special padding for his sternum, which was broken open during his operation to remove the tumor, Tayman led Marymount this past season in scoring with 36 goals and 4 assists, and was first in the CAC in man-up goals (12), second in the CAC in man-up goals per game (0.75), fourth in the CAC in goals per game (2.23) and tenth in the CAC in points per game (2.50). He finished up his career tied for seventh at Marymount in season goals (36) and eighth in career goals (78). With his return this year to the team, he helped lead Marymount to three CAC wins - the team had only won one conference game in the previous three years combined. He was awarded the team's Offensive MVP honor and was also named team captain.
In the classroom, Tayman missed a full semester of school and a whole season of lacrosse, but still came within three hours of completing his work for his degree this semester. He will complete his business degree work this summer.