Niko Tamurian
Niko Tamurian is Sports Director for CNY Central.
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The LaFayette baseball team is showing the true definition of what a team is.
LAFAYETTE --
Recently, Coach Jerry Kelly's wife, Mary Jo was diagnosed with cancer in her brain and her lungs. Obviously Coach Kelly needed some time away from the team to be there for his family. In his absence, seniors like Nick Wheeler and Jason Frier ran practices and kept the team up and running.
Kelly then approached his team, asking them what they wanted to do, saying he'd step aside if that was in the best interest of the team's season. That option though, was not an option for the team, and for Mary Jo. Both told Kelly he had to stay with the team, showing true solidarity, and support for the Kelly family.
The team members, on their own, had a pink decal put on their jerseys that reads "MJK" for Mary Jo Kelly. They say everytime they take the field they want to win for her, even providing her the game ball during all 8 victories (out of just 10 games) this season. When you talk to Coach Kelly, he can't even describe how thankful he is for his team's support and not just their love, but the entire Lafayette community. Even the girls lacrosse team is in on the act, saying a prayer for his wife before every contest.
Apparently, so far anyway, the thoughts and prayers are working, as the prognosis is good. No doubt, the Kelly family is holding up throughout everything, thanks to the incredible support from everyone who their lives touch. The teams showing maturity well beyond their years and recognizing what they need to do for their coach, is one reason why Lafayette is a special school.
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