Des Plaines man turned sports injury into inspiration
Des Plaines native Michael Schwass was one of Illinois' top prep hockey players when he took a check into the boards during a game in 1975 that left him a quadriplegic.
Rather than dwell on what might have been, Schwass went on to graduate from college and earn a master's degree in social work. He developed a busy private practice, empowering able bodied and disabled clients alike to overcome adversity.
He also was a published author, having co-authored the book, "Don't Blame the Game," and was a popular motivational speaker.
Mr. Schwass died unexpectedly on Friday from cardiomyopathy, or a weakening of the heart wall. He was 51.
"Since I've known him, Mike was a man of courage and insight who reached out to anyone that he could," said the Rev. John Smyth, president of Schwass' alma mater, Notre Dame College Prep in Niles. "It was an honor to know him."
Mr. Schwass was a forward, playing for the Notre Dame Dons when he suffered the life changing injury. The accident happened in December, and that spring his team went on to win the state championship, after dedicating the season to him.
As he fought to recover, Mr. Schwass was visited by Blackhawks players Keith Magnuson and Stan Mikita, who became his lifelong friends. One of the first fundraisers held for Mr. Schwass was a roast of Blackhawks, and team members turned out for a subsequent event held in the 1980s at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.
Mr. Schwass maintained a strong relationship with the Blackhawks and in recent years presented the Blackhawk Cup MVP award to the outstanding player at the Illinois High School hockey state tournament on center ice at the United Center.
On a personal level, Mr. Schwass worked tirelessly at his rehabilitation, always believing he would one day walk again, his sister Mary Schwass of Des Plaines says.
"He worked so hard with his therapies, every day, still trying until the day he died to get up and walk," Schwass says. "He could get himself to stand up holding onto things, and he could push a lawn mower. That's how close he got."
Mr. Schwass traveled to schools, clubs and corporations delivering his message, but one place he always returned was Chippewa Middle School in Des Plaines, where he returned for more than 30 years to open their study unit on disabilities.
"He had such a positive message about meeting challenges, and that it was how you cope with those challenges that speaks to your character," says former Chippewa teacher, Jim Sorensen. "He really personified hope to the kids."
Mr. Schwass also often returned to Notre Dame High School, including in 2006 when his hockey jersey was retired.
Just last month, he attended a fundraiser held in his honor on the Notre Dame campus to replace his handicapped accessible van. More than 350 people attended "Mike-a-Palooza," including his former teammates, classmates, neighbors, friends and family.
"He said afterward that it was a magical evening," his sister, Peggy Herweg says. "Looking back on it, we see it now as his last party, his farewell."
Visitation for Mr. Schwass will take place from 2-9 p.m. Friday at River Woods Funeral Chapel, 205 S. River Road, before a 10 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday at St. Mary's Church, 794 Pearson St., both in Des Plaines.