Randall boys basketball coach Leslie Broadhurst battling brain tumor
On Thursday, Canyon ISD confirmed that Randall boys basketball coach Leslie Broadhurst was away from the team seeking treatment for a medical condition. On Saturday, his medical condition was revealed to be a brain tumor, his wife Heather announced via Caring Bridge.
"We had been noticing some changes in Les over the last month or so, and so on Wednesday we went to get this guy checked out," Heather's posting to Caring Bridge read. "Doctors found a large mass on Leslie’s brain. We came down to Houston to MD Anderson, the best place in the world for Les to be."
CISD stated Thursday that while longtime assistant Trevor Johnson would be handling gameday duties while Broadhurst was away, Broadhurst still remained the head coach of the Raiders. CISD Athletic Director Toby Tucker reaffirmed Saturday that Broadhurst remains the head coach of the Raiders as he battles his illness.
"We have a team of doctors who are working to eradicate this tumor," the post from Heather Broadhurst stated. "They will be doing a biopsy with possible extraction of the part of the tumor that is accessible. There is a part of the tumor that is deep in the middle of Les’ brain, so that will require chemo and radiation most likely."
To say Broadhurst is a Texas Panhandle legend would be an understatement. Broadhurst is the only boys basketball coach in Raider history, having served in that role since Randall opened in 1988. One of the last remaining original faculty members, Broadhurst has guided Randall to nine regional tournaments, five regional finals and one state tournament.
"We are in the best human hands in the world, but we are in the best Hands of Healing in our Heavenly Father!" the post continued. "He is our God who Heals, and we are leaning into Him to hold Leslie in His Righteous Right Hand."
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Last year marked the first time in program history Broadhurst and the Raiders advanced to the state tournament. The Raiders are currently having one of their best seasons in program history, sitting at 26-3 overall and 11-0 in district play.
There has been an outpouring of support since Broadhurst was announced to be dealing with health issues Thursday. Amarillo High took donations after the first quarter of their boys game against Tascosa on Friday night with the proceeds going to Broadhurst's medical treatment.
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The Randall boys defeated Hereford on Friday night with the team wearing warmup shirts with the words "Team Broadhurst" on them. According to Heather, Broadhurst has been overwhelmed by the support.
"Les is in good spirits, joking around and laughing. In typical Leslie Broadhurst fashion, he is telling everyone jokes, even to the doctors and nurses!" the post concluded. "He is a fighter and intends to win this battle! We appreciate the prayers and well wishes…keep them coming because he can feel them all the way here in Houston! More info to come…we love you all!"
Those looking to donate to Broadhurst's medical funds can do so here.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Randall boys basketball coach Leslie Broadhurst battling brain tumor
