Cedar Rapids Kennedy rallies around teammate facing heart surgery

CEDAR RAPIDS — This night was much better than just baseball.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy pulled off a huge rally, hoping it results in one big victory for junior Nick Saathoff.

Saathoff and his family stood just behind home plate surrounded by the entire Cougar baseball team in demonstration of support for their teammate that will face open-heart surgery next week to repair a longtime condition.

Class 4A 10th-ranked Cedar Rapids Prairie beat the Cougars, 16-4, in five innings at Herkelman Field, but there were more important things to worry about than the score.

Teammates and coaches signed a baseball-shaped placard designed by Todd Black, and the Kennedy community raised $2,000 to help the family with future expenses they could incur during Saathoff's recovery.

'I think it shows we're a really close group,' Kennedy teammate and classmate Justin Smith said. 'We're a family. We all like being around each other.'

The team wore white T-shirts with #Nickstrong on the back during infield practice. Prairie Coach Todd Rima said he was glad his team was able to see the gesture.

'It is one of the best things to happen this summer,' Rima said. 'To see them rally around him was awesome. I just want him to know that Prairie baseball is pulling for him.'

Kennedy Coach Bret Hoyer said he had been aware of the condition, monitoring his physical exertion. He didn't anticipate the news when Saathoff arrived at team meeting two weeks ago, telling him about the upcoming procedure.

'It was a shock,' Hoyer said. 'I wasn't prepared for him to come in with his uniform and say I have to be done.

'It's hard on him. A lot of kids love baseball, but he really loves the game.'

Smith has played with Saathoff since they were 14 years old. He said Saathoff put in a lot of time, trying to get improve his game.

'Nick was a really hard worker,' Smith said. 'He worked his butt off.'

Hoyer said Jen Berst and Kristin Olejniczak began the fundraising effort. They received support from those in and out of the baseball program. Hoyer isn't surprised by the generous response.

'Those two did it all,' Hoyer said. 'It's amazing what they did.'

Hoyer said the teammates have rallied around Saathoff. The Cougars have learned from the situation.

'I'm proud of their support,' Hoyer said. 'And, how they've come to understand perspective.'

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