With care and precision, Alex Swartz, the goalie for Calvert Hall, creates a memorable final season on the lacrosse field as he assumes his position with determination.
“I remind him on a daily basis that success may not come immediately, it may not even come tomorrow, but in a couple of years, anything is possible. Therefore, he must persist in his efforts and utilize all available resources to give his best.”
Paul and Roxanne have always taught their two sons the value of lending a helping hand when necessary, something that fills them with pride.
The coach of Calvert Hall, Bryan Kelly, praised the young boy for his emotional resilience during a difficult time for his family. Despite the challenges, he performed exceptionally well, which is a great achievement for him and the team. They are all very excited for him.
Following the incident, the inspiration has intensified.
Alex brings a bracelet to the cage with him for motivation. The bracelet has the words “Fearless. Unstoppable. Courageous. Kicking A– #Ryan” engraved on it.
Alex’s most significant moments of the day occur both before he departs for school and after he returns from practice or a game, when he gets to spend time with Ryan.
I really enjoy playing lacrosse and it’s a great distraction for me,” he mentioned. “Winning, especially in the MIAA, gives me a great sense of satisfaction and improves my overall mood.”
Gavin Batelka, a senior defenseman, is frequently the initial player to make contact with him.
He stated, “You have your leaders and then you have other exceptional players who may not hold the title of captain but still carry a lot of influence. This applies to Alex, as people greatly admire him and we draw motivation from him. He has played a significant role in maintaining our energy and keeping us motivated.”
The most treasured reward for Swartz while playing in the cage is receiving gestures of appreciation from his teammates at the conclusion of the game.
Until now, there hasn’t been a better day than April 12. On this day, the Cardinals defeated McDonogh, the two-time conference champion, for their first conference loss in a rematch of last year’s championship game. Swartz’s performance was impressive, with 15 saves including crucial stops in the fourth quarter while the game was tied.
The younger Swartz’s priorities have changed. School and lacrosse are still important, but loving and supporting his brother and best friend is now also a top priority.
Ryan has attended multiple of Alex’s home games this season and also watches the live stream on occasions when he is unable to attend in person.That night?
Paul, an assistant coach at Calvert Hall, stated that his child is putting in a lot of effort despite being given a less than 10% chance by the doctor to walk again. However, in their household they believe that numbers do not define one’s determination and hard work.
Swartz’s final year of high school was not the typical, enjoyable experience that many seniors look forward to. This changed in August, when his older brother Ryan suffered a severe spinal cord injury while diving at Gunpowder Falls State Park, during a fun day out with friends on a boat.
Throughout the season, our main motivation has been to play for my brother and win in his honor, stated Calvert Hall goalkeeper Alex Swartz. (Photo by Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Alex is ensuring that his time on the lacrosse field is successful for both himself and his team, the No. 2 Cardinals. They finished the regular season with a record of 10-6 and are the fourth seeded team in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference playoffs. This is Alex’s second season as a starter and he has been consistently impressive, making 162 saves and maintaining a 7.4 goals-against average in the team’s 7-3 conference performance. The Cardinals will face off against fifth-seeded Gilman in the quarterfinals on Friday at 4 p.m.
At the age of 22, the individual was left paralyzed from the neck down due to the accident.
He expressed joy in witnessing his victory that day, a significant moment not just for him but for all of us. I was truly delighted for him.
Ryan expressed that he and his companion shared a strong connection. They regularly discuss their daily experiences, and this constant communication and support has been incredibly beneficial. Whether they are having a good or bad day, they rely on each other for conversation and encouragement to help them get through.
Alex expressed admiration for the effort being put in and the progress being made by another individual. The gradual improvement in their physical abilities serves as a source of inspiration for Alex. on that day.
A fundraising campaign called “Ryan’s Road to Recovery” has been created on GoFundMe to assist with covering medical costs. Most recently, DeSantis Pizza Grill & Bar in Nottingham donated 10% of their earnings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday towards the cause.
“All season long, our motivation has been to win for my brother,” he stated.
The Swartz family is thankful for the ongoing help they have received. Paul specifically mentioned the Calvert Hall community, the surgeons, and the devoted staff at Krieger, among others.
In spite of his smaller size, Ryan Swartz, a center for the Calvert Hall football team, consistently faced and overcame larger opponents, serving as a role model for his younger brother.
Alex, who has committed to Anderson University in South Carolina, stated that he wants to offer his full support to his friend, spending time with him and encouraging him in any way possible, engaging in the playful banter that is typical of brotherly relationships.
Alex expressed that it was an exhilarating experience, as it seemed as though the whole world was surrounding him. Even the student section joined in the excitement. For the upperclassmen who had played in the previous year’s game, it held a special significance.
Following multiple surgeries, Ryan has been participating in physical therapy at Kennedy Krieger three times a week. Thanks to his determination, support from loved ones, and his perseverance, he has regained sensation in his shoulders, arms, hands, and a few fingers.
This year, his passion for lacrosse has taken on an even greater significance.
After securing the victory, Kelly’s initial thoughts were about his goaltender.
“Paul reminds us to always bring our lunch, show up to work consistently, and give our best effort. We should not let sickness or injuries hold us back, but instead persevere and focus on moving forward.”
Alex, on the left, shared that he strives to always be present and available for his brother Ryan. They make an effort to spend time together and encourage each other, much like typical brothers do.
