His talent and determination led him to dozens of wins on the mat. Now that fierce fighting spirit is helping the college wrestler and Columbia Falls native face his hardest challenge yet — the battle against brain cancer.

University of Great Falls senior Michael Hader was stunned when he received the diagnosis. The 22-year-old biology major had a new bride, Abby, and a new baby daughter, Payton.

“We just had a baby,” Hader said. “Most of all, I was scared.”

Last December, Hader noticed he was getting tired more quickly in practice and during competition. He saw a doctor, but they weren’t sure what was wrong.

Then he started getting tired just climbing stairs and sought a second opinion. An MRI revealed two tumors in his brain. It was germinoma, a cancer of the germ cells in the brain.

Hader’s initial fear didn’t last long. With the support of friends and family both in Columbia Falls and Great Falls, Hader decided to face it the only way he knew how.

“It’s time to fight,” Hader said.

Although germinoma is extremely rare, the recovery rate is 85 percent with chemotherapy and radiation. When he gets healthy again, Hader says one of his biggest goals will be to get back onto the mat and “definitely win myself a national title. Just to get back on the mat will be an accomplishment,” he said.

Hader will have another full year of academic eligibility ahead of him after a year off to focus on recovery. He faces two more rounds of chemotherapy and a month of radiation and will be traveling to Seattle for treatment.

To help defray medical costs and travel expenses, Hader’s teammates at UGF held a July 20 fundraiser that included an auction, pig roast and cow bingo.

His family is holding another fundraiser, Help Hader KO Cancer, at the Blue Moon Nite Club on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. The fundraiser will include a live auction and live music by the Blue Moon Band, as well as raffle drawings and kids activities. All proceeds will go to the Michael Hader Foundation.

Hader’s words to others in his position are characteristic of his strength.

“The best thing I could say is just stay positive and see this as a stepping stone in your life,” he said.