GERMANTOWN HILLS, Ill. (WMBD) -- A school district is rallying around a longtime coach battling cancer.

For 26 years, Russ Garey has been the Warriors boys basketball coach at Germantown Hills Middle School. This year, he's on the bench after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma, which is a form of brain cancer.

The diagnosis came shortly after Garey was preparing to coach his 27th year. Wednesday night, Germantown Hills District 69 gathered to honor Garey for his many years of service.

The rally served as encouragement as the beloved warrior prepares to start his treatments. Athletic director Kyle Rich said Garey's influence goes beyond the basketball court.

"He is somebody that you could rely on in a time of need. And he's also somebody who is going to tell you what you needed to hear w

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