Deadly Opponent-MRSA: An Invisible Killer

On December 7, 2003, Coach Frank Girardi’s Lycoming Warriors lost 13-9 to Bridgewater (VA) in the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. A disappointment to the legendary coach, to be sure. But the pain was nothing compared to the tragedy the team suffered less than 24 hours prior with the death of their star wide receiver, Ricky Lannetti. The 3rd team All-American had led Lycoming throughout his senior season, setting team records for most catches in a game (16) and a season (70). But, in less than one week, his life was claimed by MRSA – a deadly bacterial infection that is increasingly threatening athletic programs, especially football, across America. “Ricky was a very talented wide receiver, who holds many of our receiving records, and was very instrumental in the success of our program,” said Girardi. “More importantly, he was a great leader who had that