10 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, July 10, 1996 Ryan Ulbrich (continued from page 1) Geisinger /Wyoming Valley Medi- cal Center, for putting their son on the road to recovery. Yarczower was most helpful in finding the answers to all of their questions. They also quickly put their faith in cardiologist Paul Francis and surgeon Gilbert Christian, both members of Geisinger's renowned department of pediatrics at the main hospital in Danville. Surgery was performed later that same month. The basic prob- lem was a pinching of the aorta. The lower part of Ryan's body was experiencing little blood flow, thereby causing the elevated blood pressure. That needed to be sta- bilized. and quickly. Dr. Christian opted for vascu- lar surgery, meaning he was able to get in through the back. Fortu- nately he was able to cut the aorta and then reattach it. While the surgery was success- ful, six of Ryan's eight-day hospi- tal stay were spent in intensive care. Medical personnel kept a watchful eye on the kidney area, again the main culprit was little blood flow to the lower body. Ryan will be monitored for the remain- der of his life for reoccurrence, especially through his teenage years. As his body grows, so too will the aorta; the possibility of redevelopment still exists. The family knew he was feeling much better when Ryan devel- oped a craving [or tacos [rom Taco Bell. A close friend agreed to make the 11-mile trek from Danville to Bloomsburg just to accommodate him. He may have missed 10 weeks of school, but his grades didn't suffer. With the help of a home tutor, Ryan recorded straight A's. Just four days after Christmas he celebrated his ninth birthday and less than a week later he was able to go back to school. This fall he'll enter the fourth grade at Westmoreland Elementary; his favorite subject being math. “Schooling was normal,” said Jefl Ulbrich, “except there was no recess and no phys ed.” Basically limited to walking from one destination to another, little activity was allowed at first with a gradual increase each month. His parents tried getting Ryan involved in other areas, sign- ing him up for art and piano les- sons during the winter, but the interest was slight. “I was looking forward to play- ing sports,” said Ryan. Medical experts pointed to a series of stress tests to be con- ducted in April that, if positive, might lead to increasing Ryan's involvement. Originally he was not to play baseball this year, the main fear being any impact to the chest area. It was then that Bertinelli — whose son Chris lists Ryan among his best [riends — asked Ryan to help coach the Cardinals. “I saw the look in the parents’ eyes,” said Angelo Bertinelli. “I tried to put myself in their posi- tion with my son. I just wanted to get Ryan involved.” Ryan agree to take Bertinelli up on his offer, but in the meantime the results of the stress test pro- vided some positive results. His blood pressure had stabilized and doctors approved an increase in his activity level. At practice, Ryan started to do small things and, with playing now a probability, locating and learning all about chest protec- tors became his parents primary objective. Wearing one was nec- essary lo cover the important ar- eas of the chest and back. Once again it was Angelo - declared a godsend by Barbara Ulbrich - to the rescue. The energetic coach mentioned that the league pro- vided such equipment and saw to it that they followed suit in pur- suit of one. Ryan tried two different types. A small tee ball protector was tested for about two weeks before deciding on the big bulky kind worn outside the uniform. If per- mitted to play soccer - he's al- ready been registered - Ryan will probably opt for the type worn underneath the jersey. After securing a chest protec- tor, Ryan was ready to play, after missing just three games. The first game back was quile event- ful. “I just wanted "to play,” Ryan said. “I didn't care what position. My biggest thrill was probably the first time I got up to bat - my heart was pounding. I just wanted to hit the ball.” According to his coach, Ryan proved to be quite an addition to the Cardinals ballclub. He batted at a .514 clip, the second highest average on the team. He was also a good fielder and credited with having a good attitude. Although he started every game after missing the beginning of the season, his teammates showed noresentment and considered him awelcome addition. Theyvoted to give him a game ball after the Reds game, dubbing it a pitching gem. Ryan also pitched an inning of relief during the team's 20-7 loss to the Red Sox for the overall championship. “I wondered if he'd ever get ofl the bench and here he pitches six innings in the National League championship” said a proud Bar- bara Ulbrich. Playing the hot corner provided more {un for Ryan than pitching or playing the outfield because you don’t have to wear your arm oul. He also likes trying to tag out guys stealing third, but admits that the hardest part ofthe game for him was running the bases. The activity caused him to grow tired faster than usual. He's hoping to be in much bet- ter shape for the start of soccer season. If allowed to participate, this would be his fourth season at the youth level. Ryan usually plays center forward. “I like baseball a lot,” Ryan said, "but I like soccer better. Soccer is probably my favorite because you get to do your own thing.” Life is now finally getting back to normal for Ryan, his parents and seven year old sister Kaitlyn. Doctors have stressed it's impor- tant for him to get back into nor- mal activity. There are, however, limitations. Wearing a chest pro- tector will be required for the fore- seeable. He'll never be able to participate in football, basketball or wrestling. Swimming is al- lowed, but not flops or dives. Doctors are also trying to wean Ryan from the blood pressure medication. The prognosis is that his body will adjust, but there is also the possibility that he'll need to take the medication the re- mainder of his life. Through it all, the articulate youngster has handled the entire situation with maturity beyond his years. He's been mos! coop- erative with family, [riends and physicians alike and knows his limits. “He handles it very well,” sald Jell Ulbrich. “His expectations aren't beyond what he ean do. He's realistic.” “I want to be able to do more," Ryan added. “I just want to have fun and play different sports.” Anyone who truly knows Ryan realizes he loves his sports, but he's also proven to be quite a competitor in the game of life. He has a penchant for pulling off a surprise and has the opportunity to continue to do so. More than likely he will. Black Knight diamondmen move on Lake-Lehman High School senior members of the 1996 team plan on continuing their academic and baseball careers beyond high school. Shown, from ieft, front row: John Oliver, will pursue a professional basebali career with the Cincinnati Reds and pursue his college career with Penn State or Bloomsburg in the off season; Harold Roberts, will compete at LCCC and Mike Adamshick has turned down some baseball scholarship money to compete at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Back row, from left, Ralph Wasiakowski, will compete at Allentown College; Mike Pitcavage, will atend Penn State Wilkes-Barre; and Tom Fostock will compete at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Jen Smith on PAC all-star team The College Misericordia softball team placed pitcher Jen Smith on the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference all-star team, addition, head coach Charlotte Slocum was named PAC Coach of the Year. Smith concluded her spectacular collegiate career by leading the Cougars in every major offensive category including batting (.480), hits, (72), doubles (19), home runs (6). runs (55) and RBI's (55). a Send your 0) sports reports to The Dallas Post P.O. Box 366 Dallas PA 18612 or drop it off at our office at Tuesday. In Softball _ (continued from page 9 hit a single to center scoring Simonitis. Paley came to bat with runners at second and third and singled to drive in {two runs, leav- ing the the BMT up 4-0 entering the bottom of the third. Nanticoke answered with (wo runs inthe bottom ofthe thirdBoth teams went scoreless in the fourth. BMT added one run in the lop of the fifth. The combined pitch- ing of Sarah Stolarick and Paley in reliel completed the fifth in- ning. Aller loading the bases and no outs, Paley was called to re- lieve Stolarick. She pitched out of the jam, retiring the side leaving the bases loaded. Nanticoke added one run each in the sixth and seventh to finish the game. Back Mountain now has a bye until Sat., July 13, when they will play at home. They'll play either at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on whether the Junior girls win dur- ing the week. 30 > o Maureen Paley allowed only one hit in four innings on the mound against Mountaintop. Harveys Lake all-stars Harveys Lake Little | League girls all-stars | Harveys Lake Major League all-stars Jack Cobleigh Susan Barber 0» © David Harris Jessica Cook | Adam Heacock Leigh Dodson | Matthew Ide Ashley Heacock Douglas Johnstone Dwayne Kalinay Dustin Kapson Phil Kasper Gaise Lacek Colin Martinson Louis Spaciano \ Stephanie Jones | Danielle Julian | Laura Matzel | Christine Parsons | Katy Pitcher | Melissa Sutliff Megan Thorne Jeff Taylor Lindsey Walkowiak Galen Waltman Desirae Waltman | William Weber Gena Weaver Manager: Dave Kapson Coaches: Galen Waltman and Jeff Taylor Manager: Donna Yachim Coaches: Trisha Waltman and Gary Thorne Field hockey camp at Lehman July 22-26 2 ® The Lake-Lehman Field Hockey Parents Association will sponsor a field hockey clinic for students entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. The clinic will run from July 22-26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake-Lehman- field hockey fields. The cost of the clinic is $40/student and includes | instruction, hockey stick, hockey ball. shin guards and mouth guards. | If interested, please call the Lake-LLehman High School at 675-7458 i for more information. Registration must be completed by July 11. IN THE SERVICE McDonald completes Navy basic training Navy Seaman Recruit Daniel L. McDonald, son of Lawrence J. and Christine M. McDonald, Shavertown, recently completed U.S. Navy hasic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. During the eight-week program, McDonald completed a variety of training which included classroom study, practical hands-on instruc- tion, physical fitness, naval customs, first aid, fire fighting, water safety and survival and a variety of safety skills required for working around ships and aircraft. He is on duty aboard the USS Constellation. 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