After a year marked by resilience, determination, and record-breaking achievements, Nolan Morical ’26 has been awarded the Golden Cobbs Comeback Athlete of the Year award. The honor celebrates his remarkable return to the track after stepping away from school and athletics to undergo treatment for bone cancer.

Morical, a member of Concordia’s school record-breaking 4x200 relay team this past indoor season, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in late 2023 after experiencing pain on the left side of his head. Doctors discovered a rare, localized tumor in his skull, leading to a monthslong battle that included inpatient chemotherapy treatments and countless hours in hospitals.

“Knowing that it’s temporary” was what kept Morical going through the darkest moments. “You just have to power through it and believe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Though his body was fatigued, Morical continued to work out when he could during treatment. Still, being away from the track was one of the most difficult parts of the journey.

“I was angry I had to miss track,” he said. “That was the hardest thing — feeling locked up when all I wanted was to be with my teammates.”

Support from family and friends proved vital. His parents accompanied him to treatments, and a GoFundMe started by friends reminded him he wasn’t alone.

“That gave me motivation and hope to keep going,” he said.

Returning to track felt surreal, Morical said.

“It was like a gift. There were days I didn’t feel like it, but I’d remind myself: I get to be here,” he said. “That shift in mindset changed everything. I wasn’t focused on pressure or performance — just grateful to be back.”

That gratitude culminated in a defining moment at the MIAC Indoor Championships, where Morical helped the Cobbers break the school’s 4x200-meter relay record and win the conference title.

“That was the moment I knew I was back,” he said.

His journey has not only reshaped his athletic mindset but also his life perspective.

“Things that used to stress me out just don’t anymore. I’m lucky to be alive,” he said. “Life is too precious to take for granted.”

Now pursuing a fifth year with a major in health and physical education and a minor in psychology, Morical hopes to student teach in Fargo and plans to coach football and track at the middle or high school level.

His message to young athletes facing health battles is to keep working hard “and good things will come,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think.”

When reflecting on what he’d tell himself at the start of his cancer journey, Morical said, “This is temporary. It will end, and there are good things coming in life.”