Thursday, April 9, 2009

Times News Article

In case some of you haven't read the news article published in the Times News on April 9th by Ryan Howe...Here you go.

COLUMN: Like Lyons
Bobcats inspired by teammate
By Ryan Howe
Life just threw Garrett Lyons a curveball.Last Friday during Burley's baseball game with Hillcrest, Lyons left after the second inning, complaining of pain in his ribs. It had been a slowly escalating injury that was thought to have possibly stemmed from a spectacular diving catch Lyons made at the Buck's Bags Spring Classic the week before.He couldn't breathe well. He thought he had cracked a rib. He tried playing through the pain, but it kept getting worse, so bad he couldn't sleep at night.Without Lyons on the field, the Bobcats lost to Hillcrest. The next day, Saturday, Lyons didn't even stick around in the dugout to support the team as they got swept by Century in a doubleheader. It was their fifth straight loss, and it felt like the Bobcats' season could be heading down the drain. The players were confused, some a little hurt, that their leadoff hitter and best outfielder bailed on them.The most perplexing thing was, Garrett Lyons just isn't the type to abandon his team or let an injury keep him off the field. Even players from other teams thought it was odd. A Minico player in the stands Saturday said that something must be really wrong if Lyons isn't playing. He loves the game too much to sit out.After all, this is the same kid who flew around the football field with reckless abandon, taking on guys twice his size. He's nothing if not tough, strong-willed and good-spirited. Nothing could stop him from competing.That is, until Monday morning, when Lyons left school early to see a doctor. X-rays revealed cancer.Suddenly, a five-game losing streak didn't seem that important anymore."It's definitely a reality check," said senior captain Kace Redder. "We were all devastated after Saturday because we were like, man, what's going on with our season? Then when we found out about Garrett, we were like, man, this doesn't even matter. This is just baseball. This is just a game."Lyons was diagnosed with testicular cancer, one of the most curable forms. According to Burley coach Devin Kunz, the Lyons family said doctors are very optimistic that Garrett should make a complete recovery, but he still has a long, arduous road filled with surgeries and chemotherapy. If anybody can overcome adversity, though, it's Garrett Lyons.As for the team, the news hit them hard. "There is not one person in the 950 students and faculty that don't love and respect Garrett Lyons," Kunz said.On Tuesday, the Bobcats' minds were obviously elsewhere as they fell behind 7-1 to Jerome. However, before the game they held an emotional players-only meeting where they decided to play like Lyons: Go full throttle, stay positive, play scrappy and never give up.Was there any doubt that the inspired bunch would rally and beat Jerome 12-9?Just like there's no doubt the source of their inspiration will rally to beat his foe, too.Ryan Howe may be reached at 208-677-8786 or rhowe@magicvalley.com.

8 comments:

Kona & Jared Harper said...

Robyn i am so glad you started this so we can all keep up and keep him and your family in our prayers. He is a fighter and will battle back!! If there is anything we can do let us know.

Robnz Fam said...

Dear Lyons Family,
Since we found out, Garrett has been in our thoughts and prayers everday. There is not a moment that goes by that we don't hope and pray for him and your family. Garrett is such a good kid, with a big heart. He is indeed a friend to all he meets. I'll never forget the time he introduced himself to me as 'Robyn's little brother' and I about fell off my chair. Since when did that little 8 year old grow up? I'm excited to hear about Garrett's progress, and the article is true, if anyone can beat this, it's Garrett Lyons!
With love,
Seth and Carrol Robins

SAYDA said...

Yo Jarrett
Ok typing I can't blame it on reading dyslexia.
Yo Garrett. It's amazing what you're going through. Medicine is on your side and the prayers will pull you through. I just got home from my cancer surgery. My only advice other than let it all workout and it will.
Is to keep note of whats going on. I tell you a day did not pass for me that amazing and a lot of the time really hilarious things were said or done. May the good Lord bless you and keep the smile.

Richard Call

th' Mom said...

First of all, we commend your family for your strength, courage, love, and for the example you all are to our community and to each other! You are shining examples of all the above, and we are on that list of so very many who are praying for your family, and for Garrett, who shines when the goin' gets tough! He will singly handed strengthen all who know him and all who don't yet know him! We are so willing to reach out and do anything we can to help you and your family, so don't hesitate to let us know! The community is there for you, as I have heard it from so many people just through our business!
Thank you for keeping us posted through this unselfish blog. It helps to unify in service and strengthen through your examples!
Our prayers remain with this wonderful family each and every day!

Love to you & yours,
Danny & Alicia Ward and Family

Alisha H said...

Garrett.
Buddy you are amazing. I've always looked up to you, not only because you're taller than me, but because you are such a good friend to everyone. I can't even think of a time of you being mean. Haha even when Katelyn would steal your sweatshirt. Haha, good times. :] You are such a good example to all of us. Keep staying strong!
I love you kid!
Alisha

Alisha H said...

Garrett.
Buddy you are amazing. I've always looked up to you, not only because you're taller than me, but because you are such a good friend to everyone. I can't even think of a time of you being mean. Haha even when Katelyn would steal your sweatshirt. Haha, good times. :] You are such a good example to all of us. Keep staying strong!
I love you kid!
Alisha

Unknown said...

You are setting a great example to me and those around you. I can't even imagine how things are around school and what a support system you got behind you. Keep fighting and you'll come out on top. You're one tough son of a gun. Love ya man!

Jaym the Game said...

I've always thought that Garrett was such a trooper! He's amazing in so many ways and if there's anyone who can get through this, Garrett's the man for the job! You're quite the kid who can master any obstacle in your path and I know that personally you can set quite the example for me. What an inspiration you are, showing your strength and courage! Keep it up Garrett, we're always prayin for ya! You da man! :)