Ex-Tulsa football player Holloway dies of cancer

A former University of Tulsa football player who was recognized for the courage and optimism he showed while battling cancer has died.

Tulsa athletics department spokesman Don Tomkalski says 22-year-old offensive tackle Wilson Holloway died Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Holloway, of Edmond, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in March 2008.

Holloway redshirted in 2007 and played in six games in 2008 after undergoing cancer treatments. The cancer reappeared in September 2008 and Holloway underwent a second round of chemotherapy treatments.

The Football Writers Association of America voted him the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl Courage Award winner.

Tulsa Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham says Holloway's smile was "contagious" that says Holloway "fought the disease with a tireless and enthusiastic spirit."