Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

MOORHEAD --- After nothing short of a miracle, Minnesota State Moorhead radio broadcaster Jace Denman returned to the microphone following a successful heart transplant.

Denman suffered a heart attack while driving home from the gym on Oct. 28 and was life flighted to Minneapolis' Abbot Northwestern Hospital.

While recovering he was placed on a waitlist for a heart transplant, and within a week, Denman received a successful transplant on Nov. 28.

The 52-year-old said his name fell closer to the top as one of the younger candidates for the surgery.

"Everything fell into place," Denman said. "I can't say enough about all the people that have had (me in) their thoughts and prayers."

On Friday, Denman made his first appearance Alex Nemzek Fieldhouse since the emergency to watch the No. 6-ranked Dragons and No. 12-ranked Minot State Beavers men's basketball teams and the two schools' women's teams battle.

Denman said he's in good spirits following a handful of positive test results. He's currently undergoing cardiac rehab sessions.

"I feel great," Denman said. "(The) doctors are very pleased with my progress."

He added that he was "antsy" to return to a game at MSUM.

"I couldn't stay away from this place," Denman said.

Denman, along with his partner, James "Big Game" McCarty, were on the call. The pair also host the weekly sports show "Prime Time Sports" on WDAY radio.

McCarty said it was a touching moment when Denman returned to the Flag studios on Wednesday. The two chatted for around an hour on the local sports scene.

"It felt like we were getting closer to back to normal again," McCarty said.

When McCarty heard Denman was ready to return to work and take in Friday's contest, he made sure to hook up his partner with a spot. The prompt return hardly phased McCarty.

"I don't think it shocked me at all," McCarty said. "When we knew he was going to have a heart and was going to be able to make a full recovery ... I figured he was going to be out here sooner than I was going to give him credit for."

Over the past few months, support for Denman came from all over the community. A Lend A Handup fundraiser page raised over $30,000 to help offset the cost of medical treatment.

A benefit was held for Denman on Dec. 1 at the Moorhead American Legion. Members of the Fargo Force hockey team attended the event to show support.

Denman and McCarty host weekly In the Box segments with various Force players that are uploaded to the team's YouTube page.

"It's been amazing," Denman said of the support he's received. "I didn't expect much but my radio family stepped up and had a benefit ... The Dragons have been awesome and the Force have been awesome."

While Denman was undergoing treatments, McCarty said he fielded around 100 questions about his partner's well-being and general updates on his condition.

"I felt a little bit like a receptionist," McCarty joked. "It's been incredible to see the response from the community. ... It really shows how tight knit this community is."

Denman said his positive energy helped guide him throughout his treatments.

"The biggest thing is to stay patient and just take it one day at a time," Denman said.