Kennedy's Jackson Behn produces on diamond after return from knee surgery

CEDAR RAPIDS — Jackson Behn's uniform was covered in dirt and damp from sweat after playing in 90-plus degree temperatures.

The Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior accepts the effects of playing hard, especially since he spent about six months of the off-season recovering from surgery to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

'I have more of an appreciation for the game,' said Behn, who began throwing off a mound at the end of March after the procedure in late October. 'Watching football from the sidelines, I just wanted to get out here. This is my last summer of high school ball.'

Behn tallied three hits and scored three times, helping the 10th-ranked Cougars to an 11-1 victory in five innings over Cedar Rapids Washington Wednesday night at Kennedy.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pounder said he suffered the injury while running downfield during the sixth game of the football season. Now, he is a quicker version from a year ago, hitting a double to lead off a three-run fourth and scoring from second on Bryce Church's single.

He even moved well around the bases, scoring on a wild pitch after a leadoff single in the four-run third.

'It feels real good,' said Behn, who will play football and baseball at Coe with Kennedy teammate Tyler Dralle. 'It's a lot better.'

Determination and a competitive spirit helped him return. He worked hard during rehabilitation, praising his doctor, physical therapist Kevin Lux and athletic trainer Lynn Groth.

'He did everything they asked and then some,' Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said. 'He is faster this year than he was last year. He gets after it when we do sprint conditioning work and when we're in the weight room he's working really hard. I'm very happy for the success he's having up to this point.'

The effort likely isn't a surprise to Hoyer. He is used to seeing that approach when Behn takes the field.

'He loves the game,' Hoyer said. 'He plays it the right way. He plays hard. He's fun to watch.'

Behn put Kennedy on the board, punching a two-run single into center in the first. Matt Berst and Dralle scored, giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead. The cleanup hitter was batting .333 with 13 RBIs before Wednesday's action. Not bad considering he only participated in four spring games before the varsity campaign after being unable to get swings during rehab.

'He's more consistent,' Hoyer said. 'He was doing this last year, but just not as often.

'Hopefully that will continue as the season moves on.'

As for that uniform, Behn will turn to a reliable person at home. She will have her work cut out for her before the Cougars host third-ranked Iowa City West on Friday.

'My mom,' Behn said. 'We'll see if she can take care of that.'

Berst reached base in all four at-bats with two hits. Anthony Alepra also had two hits and Bryce Church added two RBIs and two runs for Kennedy.

Parker Kalb threw a two-hitter, improving to 3-0 for the Cougars (13-4). Kalb has allowed just two runs — none earned — this season. Hoyer said he has increased his velocity.

'I've been really pleased with how he has jumped,' Hoyer said. 'He's come along real nicely.'

Alex Stockmaster knocked in the only run for Washington (6-9). Stockmaster's sacrifice fly plated Johnny Dobbs in the third.

Kennedy and Washington opened the day, resuming a postponed game from Monday. Kennedy scored six runs in the sixth inning to pull away for an 11-4 victory.

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