Wendy Anderson, wife of Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson, dies after bout with cancer

Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson posted on Twitter shortly after 6 a.m. ET Tuesday that Wendy died in a single day. She was 49.

“She handed as peacefully and gracefully as you can ever hope just some minutes earlier than midnight with me laying proper beside her,” he wrote. “I’ve been so blessed to have her by my aspect every day for the previous 27 years.”

Later Tuesday, Arkansas State launched an announcement providing its condolences to Anderson and his household.

“The Arkansas State Athletics Division household was saddened to study of the passing late Monday night time, Aug. 19, of Wendy Anderson, spouse of sixth-year head soccer coach Blake Anderson, and sends their deepest condolences to the Anderson household throughout this troublesome time,” the assertion mentioned.

“Wendy’s brave battle with most cancers will proceed to function an inspiration to many throughout the nation, and the outpouring of assist far and vast for the Andersons and the A-State household has been overwhelming. Members of the Purple Wolves’ athletics division and soccer program mourn the passing of Wendy, a treasured member of the Jonesboro neighborhood and fantastic ambassador for A-State and school soccer, with the Anderson household.”

Monday, Aug. 19 – 6:45 p.m.

Simply 12 days earlier than his crew’s season opener, Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson is taking a go away of absence.

In an announcement, Terry Mohajir, the varsity’s athletic director, mentioned Anderson is stepping away from the crew to be at his spouse’s aspect. Anderson’s spouse, Wendy, is battling breast most cancers.

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“Coach Anderson has determined to take a go away of absence throughout this troublesome time to be along with his spouse, Wendy, and his household. We are going to proceed to wish for peace for his household and supply help any approach we are able to,” Mohajir mentioned.

Whereas Anderson is on go away, Purple Wolves assistant head coach and defensive coordinator David Duggan will function the crew’s interim head coach.

“I’ll proceed to be in communication with Coach Anderson each on a private {and professional} stage, however we’ll clearly respect and honor any period of time he wants earlier than he feels he can return. I’ve 100 p.c confidence in Coach Duggan, our soccer teaching workers and scholar management on this crew to maneuver us ahead with our lecturers and competitors,” Mohajir mentioned.

Anderson: ‘It’s been a tricky summer season’

Wendy was first recognized with breast most cancers in 2017. She was declared cancer-free later within the yr, however the most cancers recurred final yr and unfold all through her physique. When requested about Wendy’s situation final month at Solar Belt media day, Anderson advised reporters that it has been “a tricky summer season.”

“It has been an extended, exhausting summer season however she’s one of many hardest fighters I’ve ever met. We’re nonetheless knee-deep within the battle, and I’d simply let you know the prayers are wanted extra now than ever earlier than,” Anderson mentioned.

“However we simply proceed to battle day-after-day, and even my gamers have been impressed by simply her willingness to battle and never make excuses and simply battle day-after-day. So I recognize you asking and recognize the ideas and prayers, and please simply proceed, in case you can.”

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Anderson was away from the crew over the weekend to be along with his spouse, based on the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. With Anderson not at apply, it was Duggan working the present. Duggan had the assistant head coach title added earlier this offseason in an effort to arrange this system if Anderson needed to step apart.

“I do know there was an outpouring of assist for Coach Anderson, Wendy and their household, not solely domestically, however nationally,” Mohajir mentioned. “Coach Anderson has expressed how grateful his household is for all of the ideas and prayers, and we’re additionally grateful for everybody’s assist.”

Arkansas State opens its season at residence towards SMU on Aug. 31.

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