(Sentinel Photo By Allen Hamil) With players representing nearly all 31 of Marty Kurths Gehlen teams behind him, Kurth stands at home plate and looks at the trophy presented to him for his achievements including the 500 win milestone surpassed earlier this season.
LE MARS After reaching the 500-win plateau earlier this season against Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, long-time Gehlen Catholic baseball coach Marty Kurth was honored prior to the Jays game against Akron-Westfield on Friday.
After announcing all the seniors and their parents, Kurth was summoned to home plate to be recognized for his achievements in his 31 years of coaching at the school. As part of the celebration dozens of alumni baseball players returned to the Riverview Complex to honor their former coach as they lined up behind him on the infield.
Im not going to lie, it was pretty cool, Kurth said. I didnt know all of those guys were behind me. When they said turn around and take a look and I saw the group of guys back there and they thought one from almost every year that I coached was back there and then some more, that was pretty special. Then to go around and tell them thank you, it meant a lot. Its hard to put that into words, but it was a pretty cool night.
One of the reasons why he didnt realize the group was behind him was the fact it was meant to be a surprise. Another reason is the fact that Kurth is suffering from diminished eyesight, nearing blindness in both of his eyes.
I lost vision in both eyes, dramatically lost vision in both eyes, Kurth said. I lost one last summer in July, but I didnt really think much of it because a lot of people lose vision in one eye and I thought Id be okay for a while. But then 11 months later, just three and a half weeks ago, I lost most of the vision in my right eye. The world got turned upside down in the matter of a day.
Kurth said it is hard to explain the current state of his vision.
In my left eye, I have vision in the far left quadrant and on my right eye I have the upper quadrant, but when I look straight ahead I dont see so good straight ahead, not much there, Kurth said. Nothings really, really clear. I cant see very far away, but in my own little area I can see to get by.
Family and Baseball
Kurth has tried to stay positive through the situation and says he has relied on two things to help him: family and baseball.
The one thing that has always been a constant has been my family and baseball, and thats where I turn to, Kurth said. These kids have done a great job. My wife is unbelievably supportive. I cant say enough about her.
(Sentinel Photo By Allen Hamil) Above, Marty Kurth stands at home plate with members of his family by his side, just outside of the batters box. Kurth said that he has relied on two things throughout his situation: his family and baseball. His son Ty (far left) has helped as an assistant coach this season, while Marty says his wife Jen (third from left) has been unbelievably supportive.
The crossroads of baseball and family meet in Martys son, Ty. A former player for his dad, Ty has stepped into a role of being an assistant coach for the team. He said he had wanted to coach with his dad before, but the situation changed this season with the further deterioration of Martys eyesight.
Its been tough, but were getting through it, Ty said. Hes still living life like he normally does. Hes still out here at the ballfield every day doing what he does. Its been tough, but were living life like before. Its been great having us both out on the field again. I got my coaching license last summer in hopes we would coach together this summer, but with me getting a job at Total (Motors), I just didnt have the time to do it. I cant thank them enough for letting me hop out of work sometimes to come out here and be with these guys and be with this team.
Also helping coach the team is another former player of Martys in Solomon Freking. Ty Kurth and Freking were classmates and members of the last Gehlen team to reach the state tournament in 2014. That familiarity has helped the team to not skip much of a beat en route to a 16-9 record at the end of June.
Freking has taken over coaching at third base, but is quick to point out that Marty is still the one in charge.
Its really huge for me to be able to really step up and be on the bases where Coach Kurth is usually at, Freking said. It is a bigger role for me, but I still have him in the dugout still telling me in my ear Lets do this or lets do that. I mean it may look like Im calling shots, but hes right there really calling the shots.
Baseball Family
Along with his personal family, Kurth has the support of his baseball family. Whether it has been from his own team or those competing against the Jays, the respect Kurth has in the coaching ranks is second to none.
Freking said Coach Kurth has always been there for him as he grew up playing sports with Ty.
Its huge for me to come back and help out because I felt hes done so much for me, so its the slightest thing that I could do, Freking said. Im just on the baselines to listen to him. He takes it as a big thing, but I think its just the smallest thing that I can do. Hes always been there for me in my downs and definitely my ups so Im glad to be here and help him out.
Akron-Westfield Head Coach Gordy Johnson presented Kurth with a gift at the pregame ceremony and said he has great respect for Marty.
(Sentinel Photo By Allen Hamil) Above, Marty Kurth accepts a gift from Akron-Westfield head baseball coach Gordy Johnson at the pregame ceremony honoring the long-time Jays coach.
Complete respect, Johnson said. Hes a quality coach and a quality man. I strive to be as good a coach as he is. Hes just a really good guy.
Dean Harpenau, co-head coach at Remsen St. Marys, worked with Marty for several years at Gehlen during the teams most successful stretch in the 1990s that included state championships in 1995 and 1999 and a runner-up finish in 1994.
Martys always done a great job at Gehlen, Harpenau said. I really enjoyed coaching with him. He believes in a lot of the same things as former coach Marv Thelen.
Thelen was head coach for both Kurth and Harpenau when they were players at Remsen St. Marys. From 1969 to 1987, Thelen compiled an impressive record of 687-265 for his career at RSM and Harpenau said Kurth fits the mold of his mentor.
Hes a Thelen disciple and he (Kurth) had a lot of great success over at Gehlen, Harpenau said. Winning the 95 and 99 state titles and then runner-up in 94. A lot of good times. I enjoyed my time there. We worked well together and it was a great combination.
According to Gehlen senior Colin Wise, Kurth is a baseball genius.
Ive never met a man that knew more about baseball than him, Wise said. Its really unfortunate what happened to him, but thats what makes our wins even more sweeter. We do it for him. He loves the game of baseball. You know he doesnt want to give it up, he never wants to give up, but unfortunately he has to. This gives us something to play for.
(Sentinel Photo By Allen Hamil) With a tip of the hat to the crowd, Gehlen's Marty Kurth is recognized by current and former players. Kurth reached 500 wins earlier this season, joining an elite group in Iowa high school history.
Playoff push
Kurth said he is focused on the team and this season as the Jays look to return to Principal Park.
To be honest, I havent really focused on much other than this season, Kurth said.
While a chance at state is possible for this team, it wont be easy. West Sioux sits on the opposite bracket in the district while Remsen St. Marys is a strong contender in the opposite district where a substate meeting could be possible.
Gehlen lost to both of those teams as part of their 0-4 stretch to start the season, but has avenged both of those losses with Wise on the mound. The teams first game of the season featured a loss to Akron-Westfield which the team avenged on Friday night, again with Wise taking the win.
This was a good game for us to get ready for that, Kurth said of the 3-1 win over the Westerners. Theyre a quality ball club and were going to see quality ball clubs down the tournament. So, if we can play with this enthusiasm and excitement and get pitching like that, who knows.
Gehlen will open with Trinity Christian on July 11 at West Sioux. From there, the future for the baseball team and that of Coach Kurth is up in the air.
Ive tried not to look ahead, because I dont know whats ahead right now, Kurth said. The good Lord probably has something in mind for me and well figure out what that is, but right now, Coach Solomon and I and my son Ty, weve got a job to do and thats to get the most out of this baseball team and if we can get what we got out of them tonight, were pretty formidable.
Excerpt from:
Kurth honored as Gehlen coach faces failing eyesight - Le Mars Daily Sentinel
- 10 Daily Habits That Will Help You Protect Your Eye Health - CNET - January 25th, 2024
- Undergoing cataract surgery when it's not necessary? Some do it to improve their eyesight, but it's not without risk - The Conversation Indonesia - January 25th, 2024
- Sight Care Reviews - Is It Safe to Use? The Most Important Fact to Know Before Buy! - Kent Reporter - January 25th, 2024
- Apple has big and cartoonish plans for Vision Pro's EyeSight - AppleInsider - January 25th, 2024
- National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2024 - PR Web - January 25th, 2024
- Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Practical Solutions - Medriva - January 25th, 2024
- 8 Eye Issues You Should Never Ignore - Right as Rain by UW Medicine - January 9th, 2024
- Digital eye strain is a growing issue as the muscles of the eyes work overtime, warn vision experts - Fox News - January 9th, 2024
- Know the Facts About Glaucoma - MedicineNet - January 9th, 2024
- New Year, New Vision: Top Resolutions For Optimal Eye Health - ABP Live - January 9th, 2024
- Childhood Myopia and Its Impact on Vision Loss: What Causes It? - News18 - January 9th, 2024
- What you see first in optical illusion can reveal a lot about you but youll need 20/20 vision to spot hi... - The Sun - January 9th, 2024
- The Importance of Eye Care: Preventing Vision Impairments and Maintaining Good Eye Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Six ways to look after your eyes in 2024 - The Conversation - December 30th, 2023
- 6 Essential Ways to Safeguard and Improve Your Vision in 2024 - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Obvious Hoax or Safe Pills That Work? Fake Scams to Avoid | Courier-Herald - Enumclaw Courier-Herald - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Honest Customer Warning! Real Eyesight Support or Fake Hype? - Bothell-Kenmore Reporter - December 30th, 2023
- Global Intraocular Lens Market Surges with Innovations in Vision Correction | CAGR of 5.6% - PharmiWeb.com - December 30th, 2023
- Infection of the eye, and how to protect vision - The Hindu - December 30th, 2023
- Optical Illusion Eye Test: Can you find the dog in the street in 7 seconds? - Jagran Josh - December 30th, 2023
- You have 20/20 vision if you can find the hidden chick amongst these ducks - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Eye Doc: Look *Here* While You Drive + 8 More Genius Tips to Improve Night Vision Behind The Wheel - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Designer creates inclusive clothing company after losing eyesight - Fox Business - December 22nd, 2023
- What is the state of American eyesight? - USAFacts - December 22nd, 2023
- When temporary vision loss in one eye isn't a sign of stroke - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- 10 Hacks That Can Naturally Boost Your Eye Health Today - CNET - December 22nd, 2023
- SightCare Reviews (Critical Customer Warning!) Know The Sight Care Facts Before Buy - Ukiah Daily Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the building with the hole in it but only those with 20/20 vision can find the giant C... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Flashes, shimmers and blind spots: Here's what migraine aura looks like - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Doctors Reveal the Snack That Cuts Your Risk of Vision-Clouding Cataracts in Half - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Yoga For Healthy Vision: 5 Extraordinary Yogasanas To Improve Eyesight - Netmeds.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the teddy bears but you have 20/20 vision if you can see the bee in the bedroom in under... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeers blue eyes act as night vision goggles to help them find food in winter - The Guardian - December 22nd, 2023
- 6 Bad Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Eyesight - Money Talks News - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeer vision may have evolved to spot favorite food in the snowy dark of winter - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- Human eyes: How they work, and their amazing anatomy - BBC Science Focus Magazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Why reindeer eyes shine blue in the winter - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Can Everyone Unfocus Their Eyes On Command? - IFLScience - December 22nd, 2023
- You have the eyes of a hunter if you can spot the dogs owner in the picture in 8 seconds! - Jagran Josh - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can see the Christmas trees but you could have 20/20 vision if you can spot the star hiding in t... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Here's how eye exams can reveal several health conditions beyond your sight - The Record (New Westminster) - December 22nd, 2023
- At Bread for the Citys vision clinic, patients can see clearly now - The Washington Post - December 13th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Is Official Website for Sight Care Legit to Try or Scam (2024) | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - December 13th, 2023
- The Benefits of Donning Prescription Sunglasses for Vision Correction and Protection - Anti Aging News - December 13th, 2023
- Vision Pro training of Apple retail store employees to start soon - BGR - December 13th, 2023
- 6 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Healthy Eyes - CNET - December 13th, 2023
- Eye Health: How to Protect Eyes From Digital Strain, Vision Loss and More? 5 Tips - India.com - December 13th, 2023
- How to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyesight - WATE 6 On Your Side - October 16th, 2023
- Can Optical Illusions Improve Vision? Know The Best One That Benefits Eyesight - Times Now - May 17th, 2023
- Motus GI Announces Executive Leadership Restructuring and Additional Cost Saving Initiatives to Support Near-Term Milestones - April 15th, 2023
- Revolution Medicines to Participate in 22nd Annual Needham Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- GENFIT Reports Full-Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update - April 15th, 2023
- Kane Biotech to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results on April 20, 2023 – Conference Call to Follow - April 15th, 2023
- Biomea Fusion To Present Two Preclinical Posters at the 114th AACR Annual Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- Cabaletta Bio to Present at the 22nd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- Syneos Health Schedules First Quarter 2023 Earnings Call for Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Oncternal Therapeutics Participating in Oppenheimer & Co.’s Virtual Fireside Chat: Discussion of ROR1 CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematological... - April 15th, 2023
- Travere Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) - April 15th, 2023
- Alvotech Provides Regulatory Update on AVT02 Biologics License Application - April 15th, 2023
- Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. to Report Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Operational Progress on April 19, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Additional Future Royalty Revenue Stream for Nicox from 2024 following New Drug Application Submission for ZERVIATE in China - April 15th, 2023
- Ultimovacs ASA – Disclosure of voting rights of Annual General Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- QIAGEN showcases latest technologies to advance cancer research at AACR Annual Meeting 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- ITM lädt zu Symposium und Messestand auf der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin in Leipzig ein - April 15th, 2023
- International Carrot Day: From healthy eyesight to weight loss - 5 wonderful benefits of carrot - Zee Business - April 7th, 2023
- How the Human Eye Works | Cornea Layers/Role | Light Rays - NKCF.org - December 11th, 2022
- Eye Emergencies: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention - Healthline - November 25th, 2022
- The criteria for certification | RNIB - November 25th, 2022
- Foresight: Eye-Net Successfully Showcases its Advanced Solution to Leading OEMs and Tier One Suppliers in Japan - Marketscreener.com - November 25th, 2022
- Can you see me now? Average person begins worrying about their vision at age 39 - Study Finds - September 29th, 2022
- Contact lens wearers at higher risk of rare eye infection are you caring for your lenses the right way? - News24 - September 29th, 2022
- A man who popped a champagne cork into his eye says it felt like being poked 'times a thousand.' His vision was saved after months of treatment but it... - September 29th, 2022
- Whitsett Vision Group First to Use Revolutionary New Lens to Dramatically Improve Patients' Eyesight - PR Newswire - September 29th, 2022
- 'As one door closes, another opens': Adelaide man turned to yoga, meditation after major vision loss - SBS - September 29th, 2022
- Stephen Curry, whose $185,000 worth vehicle almost took his life, is sure to lose his eyesight due to a genetic defect - The Sportsrush - September 29th, 2022
- NCCVEH Names Dr. Donny W. Suh, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine, as Recipient of the 8th Annual Bonnie Strickland Champion for Children's Vision... - September 29th, 2022
- XP Health Raises $17.1M Series A to Transform Vision Benefits for Insurance Carriers, Companies and Employees - PR Web - September 29th, 2022
- Everything You Need To Know About Ocular Herpes Zoster: Symptoms, Treatment, And Complications - World Nation News - September 29th, 2022
- Blurry vision turned out be tumour behind Exeter woman's eye - Devon Live - April 26th, 2022
- Woman who lost half her body weight sheds the stones for second time after sight loss - Yahoo News - April 26th, 2022