MOUNT VERNON — For Mount Vernon High School junior Sam Bennett, advancing to the boys volleyball state quarterfinals is something of a dream. Only a year ago, Bennett was forced to the sidelines to watch his teammates lose in the regional final. Bennett’s season ended prematurely after a juvenile diabetes-related problem with his kidneys occurred. Now, he and his teammates have a shot at making school history.
Rewind to 2003 when life changed for Bennett. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital in Columbus, and was diagnosed with Type-I juvenile diabetes. As a middle schooler, he was forced to deal with a disease that would greatly alter his life.
“We didn’t expect this. It doesn’t really run in my family,” Bennett said.
Bennett and his family have learned to cope with the everyday challenges associated with juvenile diabetes and he has been able to lead a relatively normal life. He was forced to change his diet, avoiding the sugary treats — something that is not easy for a high school student to do.
“When I was in the hospital, they were preaching all the time about eating the right things,” Bennett said. “It is to prevent problems in the future. I really tried to cut back.
“There are a lot of treats out there that everybody loves to eat. There are a lot of temptations so I have to deal with that. I always have the temptation when mom is not watching, but I really try. It has been hard, but in the long run, I know I will be a lot better off.”
In recent years, Bennett seemed to be on track, leading a normal life. That was until he went in for his yearly physical last year. His blood pressure was raised, prompting the concern of his parents and doctors.
“It was higher than most people,” said Bennett. “That was something we were trying to prevent because of my problems with diabetes. It was kind of unreal because I didn’t feel bad. We did the right things to try and stop it, but it happened anyway. Since I go to Children’s for my diabetes, we did a follow-up with my doctor. He did a few tests and found out one of my kidneys wasn’t working to its fullest capacity. He figured it was some kind of blockage, and finally we found out my ureter was getting kinked by a vein. All of the fluid coming out of my kidney was not going to the right place. They had to do surgery to fix the problem.”
Surgery cost Bennett the rest of the 2006 season.
“One of the things, probably the first thing, I thought was, ‘What am I going to do now?,’” said Bennett. “It was just really frustrating. They told me I would be out the rest of the season because they had to put a stint in there. I actually cried because I was frustrated and I wanted to keep playing. This is a sport I love and I really wanted to be in there. If was just really frustrating.”
Even with the setback, Bennett did not stop being part of the team. He continued to cheer the squad on from the bench.
“When I wasn’t allowed to play anymore, I was there and I dressed. I was there for support,” said Bennett. “I learned to be more supportive of my teammates. That has helped when my teammates get down.”
The Yellow Jackets were also behind Bennett 100 percent.
“My teammates were really supportive,” added Bennett. “They really made me feel like they wanted me back. We always joked around. Coach would always rip on me and tell me to go sit down. I had next year. They tried to include me in whatever I could do. They were real supportive.”
Mount Vernon coach Don Marn would have loved to have Bennett on the court the entire season, but even still, he knows he learned just by watching.
“When he sat out, it made him stronger. He was here as much as he could to encourage us,” said Marn. “He was able to watch and learn from Grant Cassell on how to play the middle. Matt Orsborn and Pat [Blubaugh] both tell him what to do, when to react and where to go. They are working as a team.”
Coming into this season, Bennett was as prepared as he could be. He spent a lot of time in the offseason working on his skills and his strength. The memories of last season still lingered in his mind, however.
“I’ve thought about it a little bit,” Bennett said. “My feelings were I just wanted to get back into it and get going. I don’t want to stop for anything. I have to take care of myself and take all the precautions so that nothing else does happen. I’ve been watching my carbs for my diabetes. I am not eating as much salt to help lower my blood pressure. Everything helps a little.”
Bennett has been a solid rock for the Jackets this season. He is playing his part, in hopes, of playing for a state title.
“I get my big body up there and try to block as many as I can,” said Bennett. “I have a pretty good serve too so I try to do some damage with that.
“I am more motivated now,” Bennett added. “I came back and worked hard because I realized what could happen. I work hard, play hard, sleep hard. I just try to go as hard as I can.”
“He brings consistency,” said Marn of Bennett. “He has got big hands and he is starting to learn the game. He is a junior academically, but athletically is still at the beginning junior stage because he missed a year. He is always willing to look you in the eye.”
Bennett’s experience hasn’t gone lost on the rest of his teammates. They now realize how short their time in high school is.
“The whole team doesn’t take things for granted the way the once did,” said Marn. “They appreciate his attitude. He is always positive and that has a steadying influence on our guys.”
The Jackets are busy making full preparations for Saturday’s quarterfinal match against Centerville. Bennett and the rest of the younger underclassmen haven’t experienced a match of this magnitude, but that won’t be an issue according to Marn.
“For the guys that haven’t experience it, they’ve heard about it,” said Marn. “The past is close enough for them to have heard about it firsthand. I don’t think we will be as overwhelmed as we were the first time. Right now, we have a few more leaders and are playing with more of a sense of urgency. I think we will be all right.”