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Coming-Out Party For USF Fan

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By BRETT McMURPHY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 8, 2007

TAMPA - Tonight the University of South Florida's red-hot men's basketball team hosts UAB. Football coach Jim Leavitt will even be there, with his body painted green and gold. However, the best story inside the Sun Dome will be sitting in the stands.

That's where Jeff Wagner will be. On Aug. 28, Wagner underwent a bone marrow transplant to help overcome acute myeloid leukemia, his second bout with cancer. He said his cancer is now in remission.

After a bone marrow transplant, patients are unable to be in crowds for 100 days because of the risk of infection. Today is Day 101.

"This is my coming-out party," said Wagner, a 1986 USF alum. "I'll be able to be there and shake hands and see people and stand and cheer with everyone. The timing of this was perfect."

Wagner, who created the "Finish Strong" slogan which became a mantra for the football team, will be part of tonight's "Finish Strong" celebration.

At halftime, Leavitt and some of USF's Sun Bowl-bound team will be recognized. The first 3,000 fans will receive "Finish Strong" bracelets.

Earlier this year, Leavitt remarked he wanted to get his body painted and surf through the crowd. Wagner said he reminded Leavitt throughout the season about that.

"I'll probably spend the next three days getting the paint off," Leavitt said. "I don't know how I'll get it off. I'm doing this because Jeff asked."

Wagner, who is also recovering from a lumbar puncture, said he's already bought his Sun Bowl tickets and is looking forward to attending the game in El Paso, Texas. He's hoping the fans tonight will show "a lot of passion and pride" for both the football and basketball teams.

"I told Coach Leavitt, 'this will be your biggest recruiting event, bigger than any living room visit,'" Wagner said. "TV will get a hold of this. This will show a man that really loves his players and students."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com.

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