Conrad Adam Inpires Many With Courageous Fight Against Cancer
By definition, a hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability.
From my vantage point, Conrad Adam is such a hero. In a time of extraordinary adversity, the 17-year old high school junior has shown unbelievable resiliency and courage in a battle to beat cancer.
All year along, Marso has tried to bring a championship trophy home to BV, first as a record-setting quarterback in football; and then as the leading scorer for the Lynx's hoop team. Despite the frustrations of defeat, he showed his big heart in the post-game ceremony.
Marso’s action exemplified what so many of us would like to do – hug Adam for his battle and inspiration and wish him well in the days ahead. Marso's gesture also made us aware of why he is such a great leader - people matter, Conrad Adam matters, and that wins or losses aren't the most important thing.
From my vantage point, Conrad Adam is such a hero. In a time of extraordinary adversity, the 17-year old high school junior has shown unbelievable resiliency and courage in a battle to beat cancer.
Just a year ago, he was a point guard that helped Pierre Riggs boys basketball team to a third place finish at the State AA. As the summer opened, he was looking forward to a season when he would become Governors' starting point guard with the goal of bringing home the school's first AA crown since his dad (Karl) led the 1982 team to a title.
Then, Adam received a crushing blow when he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in his leg in late summer. In October, he had surgery and lost his left leg above the knee. Later, he was fitted with a prosthesis. With his basketball season over, Adam began the fight of his young life.
Since those days last summer, he has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments as he battled the unforgiving disease.
In his fight, Adam has inspired many South Dakotans through courage and an absolute belief that he would beat this thing and perhaps find a way to return to the playing floor.
Through this difficult time, Adam has exhibited an uncommon inner strength and an upbeat positive resolve. The resilient junior has faith that he will prevail against his most difficult opponent.
From my view, Adam is a hero for his courage, resiliency and determined faith. He demonstrates that human spirit is a powerful force. He has provided an example that never giving in is a message that not only resonates with all of us but can energize people to battle difficult situations regardless of odds.
As Adam and his family were tested by a harsh reality, people from across the state stood with him. Inspired by this high school junior, Conrad's Clan was formed. From Pierre across many schools and universities, high school students, coaches, basketball officials and citizens everywhere and in all walks of life joined Conrad's Clan to support Adam. The Dakota spirit came shining through.
Then, Adam received a crushing blow when he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in his leg in late summer. In October, he had surgery and lost his left leg above the knee. Later, he was fitted with a prosthesis. With his basketball season over, Adam began the fight of his young life.
Since those days last summer, he has undergone numerous chemotherapy treatments as he battled the unforgiving disease.
In his fight, Adam has inspired many South Dakotans through courage and an absolute belief that he would beat this thing and perhaps find a way to return to the playing floor.
Through this difficult time, Adam has exhibited an uncommon inner strength and an upbeat positive resolve. The resilient junior has faith that he will prevail against his most difficult opponent.
From my view, Adam is a hero for his courage, resiliency and determined faith. He demonstrates that human spirit is a powerful force. He has provided an example that never giving in is a message that not only resonates with all of us but can energize people to battle difficult situations regardless of odds.
As Adam and his family were tested by a harsh reality, people from across the state stood with him. Inspired by this high school junior, Conrad's Clan was formed. From Pierre across many schools and universities, high school students, coaches, basketball officials and citizens everywhere and in all walks of life joined Conrad's Clan to support Adam. The Dakota spirit came shining through.
http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/conrads-clan/?id=143812.
From wearing t-shirts to wrist bands, friends, neighbors and citizens came forward to donate and help the Adam family. On Conrad Clan's wristbands, it says "No One Fights Alone." In this Adam battle and cause, that statement showcased brotherly love and spirit.
South Dakota's two largest universities, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, both joined the Conrad Clan and were part of different fundraising activities.
USD collaborated with KVHT to sponsor a Dribble-a-thon and then Coyote Athletics held a Conrad Adam Day on Feb. 16, which combined to raise over $5,000. The 24-hour dribble-a-thon which began with a USD men's basketball game with Oakland, included USD President James W. Abbott, KVHT's Randy Hammer and John Thayer, various Coyote women's and men's basketball players, among others.
Abbott said in media interviews that USD needed to be part of this effort, in part due to the Adam family's connection to the University but most of all in support of a young man who is courageous with an admirable resolve. Karl and Joan Adam, Conrad's parents, are both USD graduates and Conrad's sister, Katherine, is a freshman at USD. The Adam family has generations of college graduates from USD.
Two days after the dribbling marathon, USD Athletics hosted Conrad Adam Night at the DakotaDome on Feb. 16. At that game, USD sold Conrad Clan's t-shirts and wristbands (selling out) while Abbott, USD interim athletic director David Herbster and USD football coach Joe Glenn and others participated in a "cash cube" during halftime of the women's game with Fort Wayne.
With a goal of $1,000, USD was able to raise over $5,000 between the two events (dribble-a-thon, Conrad Adam Night).
This summer, the SDSU men's team held an intra-squad scrimmage at Riggs High School in Adam's honor. During that event, more than $9,300 was raised through sales of wristbands, free-will donations, half-time hoop shot and silent auction of a Governors' jersey. Rapid City Stevens has raised $1,007 and other schools have also contributed to the Adam cause. Pierre, itself, auctioned off 15 Conrad Adam jerseys this past basketball season.
One of the great measures of Adam was his commitment to sticking with his Pierre basketball brothers even as he had to undergo uncomfortable chemotherapy sessions, which stole his hair and left him beat down. He didn't take refuge at home or in a hospital. He remained a part of the team, which I am sure motivated his teammates while inspiring those that followed the Governors. All of his teammates have treated him like a brother.
Adam attended most of the Governors' games, including all three State AA Tournament contests. At the tourney, he was introduced before games and supported by everyone on the floor and in the Sioux Falls Arena. As Pierre advanced into the title game, their opponent, Brandon Valley, wore Conrad Clan’s t-shirts in pregame warm-ups.
From wearing t-shirts to wrist bands, friends, neighbors and citizens came forward to donate and help the Adam family. On Conrad Clan's wristbands, it says "No One Fights Alone." In this Adam battle and cause, that statement showcased brotherly love and spirit.
South Dakota's two largest universities, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota, both joined the Conrad Clan and were part of different fundraising activities.
USD collaborated with KVHT to sponsor a Dribble-a-thon and then Coyote Athletics held a Conrad Adam Day on Feb. 16, which combined to raise over $5,000. The 24-hour dribble-a-thon which began with a USD men's basketball game with Oakland, included USD President James W. Abbott, KVHT's Randy Hammer and John Thayer, various Coyote women's and men's basketball players, among others.
Abbott said in media interviews that USD needed to be part of this effort, in part due to the Adam family's connection to the University but most of all in support of a young man who is courageous with an admirable resolve. Karl and Joan Adam, Conrad's parents, are both USD graduates and Conrad's sister, Katherine, is a freshman at USD. The Adam family has generations of college graduates from USD.
Two days after the dribbling marathon, USD Athletics hosted Conrad Adam Night at the DakotaDome on Feb. 16. At that game, USD sold Conrad Clan's t-shirts and wristbands (selling out) while Abbott, USD interim athletic director David Herbster and USD football coach Joe Glenn and others participated in a "cash cube" during halftime of the women's game with Fort Wayne.
With a goal of $1,000, USD was able to raise over $5,000 between the two events (dribble-a-thon, Conrad Adam Night).
This summer, the SDSU men's team held an intra-squad scrimmage at Riggs High School in Adam's honor. During that event, more than $9,300 was raised through sales of wristbands, free-will donations, half-time hoop shot and silent auction of a Governors' jersey. Rapid City Stevens has raised $1,007 and other schools have also contributed to the Adam cause. Pierre, itself, auctioned off 15 Conrad Adam jerseys this past basketball season.
One of the great measures of Adam was his commitment to sticking with his Pierre basketball brothers even as he had to undergo uncomfortable chemotherapy sessions, which stole his hair and left him beat down. He didn't take refuge at home or in a hospital. He remained a part of the team, which I am sure motivated his teammates while inspiring those that followed the Governors. All of his teammates have treated him like a brother.
Adam attended most of the Governors' games, including all three State AA Tournament contests. At the tourney, he was introduced before games and supported by everyone on the floor and in the Sioux Falls Arena. As Pierre advanced into the title game, their opponent, Brandon Valley, wore Conrad Clan’s t-shirts in pregame warm-ups.
While the road to the state title was a bumpy road, the Governors made it to Sioux Falls with 15 wins in 16 games. The only loss in that span was a one-point road loss to Brookings. Interestingly, Pierre, which was the preseason favorite to win AA, opened with four losses in six games and and had five defeats by a total of 11 points during the season.
The Governors, which finished 21-5, persevered to make it to the State AA, led by their DI dynamic duo Lane Severyn and Zach Hansen, who will play DI basketball at South Dakota State and Creighton, respectively.
The Governors, which finished 21-5, persevered to make it to the State AA, led by their DI dynamic duo Lane Severyn and Zach Hansen, who will play DI basketball at South Dakota State and Creighton, respectively.
At the State AA, Pierre Riggs won a 60-47 decision against Rapid City Central as Hansen had a tournament-high 30 points (14-of-20 field goals) while Severyn had 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The Governors then survived a tough semifinal battle with Sioux Falls Lincoln, 47-45, in the as Hansen had 21 points and Severyn added 18 points and eight rebounds. Hansen's two free throws with 3.8 seconds left provided the difference against SF Lincoln.
As I watched Adam from a distance and talked with friends on mine from Pierre, I knew that Adam was a pretty special guy - tough with a tremendous inner resolve and a positive personna.
As I arrived at the Sioux Falls Arena on that Championship Saturday, I could sense something in the air. I have been to a number of championship games at levels from high school to college but this one was different.
As I sat down to call the championship game with Chris Tubbs on play-by-play and Bill Zortman as an analyst for KWSN Radio in Sioux Falls, I felt a tremendous tug on my emotions. This night was special, because it featured two ESD schools seeking to end a long championship drought (BV, 1998; Pierre, 1982). Plus, it was going to include Conrad Adam's Pierre team.
As I watched Adam from a distance and talked with friends on mine from Pierre, I knew that Adam was a pretty special guy - tough with a tremendous inner resolve and a positive personna.
As I arrived at the Sioux Falls Arena on that Championship Saturday, I could sense something in the air. I have been to a number of championship games at levels from high school to college but this one was different.
As I sat down to call the championship game with Chris Tubbs on play-by-play and Bill Zortman as an analyst for KWSN Radio in Sioux Falls, I felt a tremendous tug on my emotions. This night was special, because it featured two ESD schools seeking to end a long championship drought (BV, 1998; Pierre, 1982). Plus, it was going to include Conrad Adam's Pierre team.
Pierre coach Terry Becker put Adam in a uniform on that championship night, suggesting later that he was simply the right thing to do. It was. Adam was announced with his teammates, a heart-warming moment.
As both teams – BV in the red and black and Pierre in the green - battled on the new Arena floor, Brandon Valley controlled action for three quarters. Led by senior Chase Marso, who scored 17 points, the Lynx held a 36-32 lead after three quarters.
Then, the fourth quarter happened. Through the magical shooting touch of Lane Severyn, Pierre's all-time leading scorer (1,510 points), three-point shooter (198) and rebounder (661 rebounds), the Governors rallied. Severyn, who had 58 points in the tourney, lifted his team to victory by hitting three, three-point field goals in the fourth quarter as the Governors outscored the Lynx, 18-3, in the decisive fourth quarter. As a result, Pierre won its fourth title.
Severyn finished with 24 points, hitting 9-of-13 shots from the field, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, and hauling down nine rebounds.
Perhaps, we should have known it was Pierre's night when they received nine unexpected points from Cody Honeywell - all three-point shots - in the first half. Then, of course, there was the steady play of their guards and the inside presence of Hansen. Double and triple teamed all night, Hansen finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds as he finished with a tourney-high 62 points and 28 rebounds. He finished his career with 1,362 points and 657 rebounds, both second behind Severyn in Pierre's record book.
As is in the norm in the championship celebration scene, presentation of the trophy and individual awards were presented to the two teams. After BV’s Marso, the Spirit of Su Award recipient, received his second-place medal he walked over to Adam and gave him a hug.
Severyn finished with 24 points, hitting 9-of-13 shots from the field, including 5-of-8 from three-point range, and hauling down nine rebounds.
Perhaps, we should have known it was Pierre's night when they received nine unexpected points from Cody Honeywell - all three-point shots - in the first half. Then, of course, there was the steady play of their guards and the inside presence of Hansen. Double and triple teamed all night, Hansen finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds as he finished with a tourney-high 62 points and 28 rebounds. He finished his career with 1,362 points and 657 rebounds, both second behind Severyn in Pierre's record book.
As is in the norm in the championship celebration scene, presentation of the trophy and individual awards were presented to the two teams. After BV’s Marso, the Spirit of Su Award recipient, received his second-place medal he walked over to Adam and gave him a hug.
All year along, Marso has tried to bring a championship trophy home to BV, first as a record-setting quarterback in football; and then as the leading scorer for the Lynx's hoop team. Despite the frustrations of defeat, he showed his big heart in the post-game ceremony.
Marso’s action exemplified what so many of us would like to do – hug Adam for his battle and inspiration and wish him well in the days ahead. Marso's gesture also made us aware of why he is such a great leader - people matter, Conrad Adam matters, and that wins or losses aren't the most important thing.
As Adam received his championship medal, the entire crowd rose in unison to give him a standing ovation. I wasn’t near his parents, old friends of mine, but I had a charge of emotion. I was touched not only for a young man resilience and battle but for an entire basketball community that showed all of us that athletics is more than games, points, winning and all that.
Basketball is a game that features blood, sweat and tears. It is about competitiveness, respect and how players are brothers in arms leaving everything on the floor and then helping one another up in signature moments of compassion.
While he wasn't on the floor, you could see the smile crease across Adam's face as the school received the championship trophy. He may not have scored any points but Adam was very much a part of this championship. His courageous fight lifted his teammates and inspired a state.
"Nobody fights alone" is a statement/theme that has been a big part of high school basketball this year because of Conrad Adam's cancer battle. It is a theme that has relevance and will carry on.
As Conrad Adam moves on, we go with him in spirit, in cause, and with his example that “never quit” gives us all the motivation and courage to battle in difficult times and to stand up when we see others in need of support.
Basketball is a game that features blood, sweat and tears. It is about competitiveness, respect and how players are brothers in arms leaving everything on the floor and then helping one another up in signature moments of compassion.
While he wasn't on the floor, you could see the smile crease across Adam's face as the school received the championship trophy. He may not have scored any points but Adam was very much a part of this championship. His courageous fight lifted his teammates and inspired a state.
"Nobody fights alone" is a statement/theme that has been a big part of high school basketball this year because of Conrad Adam's cancer battle. It is a theme that has relevance and will carry on.
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