Coach: Andrew Kemnetz 'Embodies the Meaning of Champion'

When Dave Peregrin came up with the idea of the Grayslake Youth Baseball Association Heart Award several years ago, it was started in honor of a  boy, Anthony Fontana, who selflessly gave up his spot in the all-star game so another boy could play in the game.

That boy was Peregrin's son, Zach, who beamed when he got the chance to play in the all-star game.

"I still see the smile on Zach's face playing second base at the aquatic field under the lights," Peregrin wrote in a letter about the Heart Award. "The memories are priceless and I could never put into words my feelings of gratitude and thanks to Anthony Fontana, the 12-year-old Little Leaguer who truly touched my heart."

This year, the GYBA Heart Award was presented to another boy that has touched not only Peregrin's heart but also the hearts of many others through his inspirational story. Peregrin's Grayslake company, Falcon Consulting Enterprise, presented the award to 14-year-old Andrew Kemnetz. 

"He really touched my heart," said Peregrin. "Our whole community is a better place because of people like Andrew."

Andrew's Story

Andrew is like so many other boys his age. He lives and breathes baseball. 

"Baseball is his thing," said Andrew's mom, Renee. "He'd play baseball every day if you'd let him."

A spinal tap procedure in spring 2012, however, left Andrew struggling—and ultimately completely unable—to play the sport he loves so much.

"The adverse consequences of the procedure proved severe, rendering Andrew unable to walk or perform other basic functions, much less exercise his passion for baseball," Andrew's baseball coach, Glenn Sulzer, wrote in his Heart Award recommendation letter.

"As summer approached, Andrew was confined to a series of hospital rooms," Sulzer continued. He added that Andrew had tried out for and made the July all-star team, but he was unable to play because of his health issues. Still, Andrew attended a team tournament.

"When he was awarded a medal at a tournament in Lake Zurich the following week, his struggle to reach the field, aided by his teammates, silenced the crowd in a collective expression of empathy and compassion," Sulzer wrote. "The score, the searing heat, the athletic accomplishments of the players that day, were all rendered irrelevant as a 13-year-old kid, his body turning on itself, summoned the will to stand tall, above the able-bodied."

Renee said doctors initially struggled to determine what was causing Andrew's problems. It wasn't until a second spinal tap was done that doctors discovered that the first spinal tap had resulted in a spinal epidural hemorrhage. Basically, the first spinal tap had left holes and tears in the dura that surrounds the spinal cord, which caused the cerebrospinal fluid to leak.

Andrew was unable to walk, and it took time for his spine to heal. He started moving around more by December 2012, but he's still in the midst of the healing process, Renee said.

"He's not at 100 percent, but when he's on the field, you can't tell," said Renee.

He made it back to the field this spring in time for evaluations, playing through the pain, Renee said. 

Sulzer wrote that at evaluations, Andrew was "still walking gingerly and in obvious pain. I inquired as to his health and his capacity to play. He stiffened and sternly assured me that he was 'good' and anxious to play."

That's just Andrew's way, Renee said. 

"We're just amazed by him," Renee said, referring to herself and her husband, Tim. "He's able to play through all of his pain. He sets such a good example. People see what he goes through. He never gave up."

The Heart Award

In his letter of recommendation, Sulzer said Andrew "has overcome immense obstacles to succeed as a player and person.

"His heart, possibly sustained by a love for baseball, has allowed him to reinvigorate his body," Sulzer wrote. "He truly embodies the meaning of champion."

The GYBA Heart Award was presented to Andrew during a special ceremony June 28. 

"Best thing I can say about Andrew is that outside of my own kids, he has validated my 12 years of coaching experience," said Sulzer. "I invest from the heart. Once in awhile, if not too often, you get caught up as a coach, in scores. It makes you forget and question the investment. Kids like Andrew make you realize and appreciate why you make the investment."

Renee is proud of her son and his perseverance. 

"Words can't even describe how proud we are of him," said Renee. "He's a one-of-a-kind kid."