Warren wrestlers lift up Oldham

For the record, Warren opened the 2010-11 wrestling season with a home loss to Libertyville last Friday.

But the night truly was a win for the Blue Devils' program past, present and future and the entire Gurnee community.

With several hundred fans watching, Warren honored one of its own: Kevin Oldham, 33, an alum who played multiple sports at the school (Class of 1995), and for the past 10 years, has been a firefighter/paramedic at the Waukegan Fire Department.

Oldham has been battling pancreatic cancer since April, and the current Blue Devils presented him with a check to help with everyday bills and health insurance. The team raised more than $7,000 through the team's Bench-A-Thon weightlifting fundraiser on Nov. 21.

“Oh man, I wish I could put my emotions into words,” said Oldham, a father of two daughters Stella, 3; and Evelyn, 1. “To be out there on that (wrestling) mat, seeing the kids' faces, seeing how passionate they are about the cause, and these are kids who I had never met. It was such a gracious, selfless thing they did for my family, and ongoing proof to have faith in humanity.

“The heartfelt emotion I experienced that night ... I was almost in tears looking at those kids. It really was an unbelievably emotional experience. I've often found myself in tears on that mat, whether from defeat or victory. Those kids about created tears from me. I pray to God, (the next time) it will be because of another victory.”

Warren athletic director Mark Pos said the night was outstanding.

“I could not think of a better way to open our home season with the announcement that the current wrestling team members and their coaches were helping someone who had traveled down the same path as them and was in need of some assistance,” Pos said. “To see the spectators stand when the captains presented Kevin and (his wife) Katie with the donation, and to watch Kevin and Katie's reaction, will be something I never forget. Last Friday night made me very proud to be a Blue Devil.”

Warren wrestling coach Jim Ouimette approached Pos several months ago with the Bench-a-Thon concept, and Pos was hooked on the tie of generations of Blue Devils.

But Pos never expected the funds raised either through flat donations or dollars-per-pound lifted to reach what they did.

“I guess I learned (to) never under estimate the power of people,” Pos said. “The final dollar amount was amazing, and each and every one of the wrestlers seemed very excited about making this a very special thing. After the presentation, it was great to see many of the wrestlers go over to talk to Kevin so they could put a name and face with the person they raised (the money) for. It was a very proud moment for our wrestling program.

“Last Friday night was about more than winning or losing against Libertyville. I think all of our coaches promote a well-rounded experience when participating in sports, and last Friday night showed that the coaches and athletes understand that concept. What the wrestling team did as much bigger than the match against Libertyville. They won a match against real life, and with their efforts, they made two Warren alum, (Kevin and Katie), proud to say they are from Warren.”

The wrestling team's efforts certainly struck home in the school's athletic department, where Kevin's mom, secretary Theresa Oldham, has worked for 24 years. Kevin's dad, Dan, has worked at Warren for five years.

Kevin's sisters, Jennifer and Kelley, are former Blue Devils.

“It was very emotional to see Kevin back at Warren under the circumstances,” Theresa Oldham said. “It did bring back good memories seeing him shake the hands of all the wrestlers as they lined up, just as he did after every match (when he was in school). It also was very touching when Mr. Ouimette spoke, and then Kevin told the boys how thankful his family was for the kindness and generosity they showed. There was an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The wrestling team truly is first-class, and doing what they did for someone they never even met shows that. It was very touching and I think they felt very proud, especially getting to meet Kevin and personally presenting their donations to him and his family. Just the fact that they could think up a way to raise money by lifting weights amazes me.”

Kevin battles daily, personally and professionally. He granted an interview this week during chemotherapy sessions.

Kevin was recently asked to join the Code 3 For A Cure, a foundation of national firefighters who have, or have beaten, cancer. They go to fire departments to speak and share their stories in hopes to help others deal with their disease.

“Kevin has endured, and continues to, each day living a life of uncertainty the treatments, the emotions,” Theresa said. “But he stays strong, positive and very courageous. He has endured the challenge of his life and his families' life, changing in a way they never would have thought. But they deal with it in the most positive way.

“It has been very tough to accept that your son has pancreatic cancer. It was devastating to me, to Kevin's dad, to Katie and to his sisters. But Kevin is a fighter and always gets the job done, so he is going to fight a good fight. I never realized how cancer can change your life and the lives around you ... so many ups and downs. It's a daily battle.”

Support for the Oldhams has been widespread. Freshman wrestler Morgan Drew, for instance, is a varsity athlete (119 or 125 pounds). He was the team's top fundraiser, generating $450 for the cause. Pos came through with funds, too. So did retired Warren coaches and teachers.

“It has been overwhelming how Warren staff and friends of WTHS have come forward to help Kevin and his family,” Theresa said.

The Warren community has supported Kevin since his diagnosis. Pos spearheaded a fundraiser among staff over the summer and about $4,500 was generated.

“This is a caring place and I hope that never ever changes,” Pos said.

Kevin's friends and family hosted a large fundraiser in September and many current and former staff members stepped up to help. Many former Warren graduates also stepped up to help.

“When Kevin was first diagnosed, many of our former coaches who have retired but had the pleasure to coach Kevin stopped by our office to visit with Theresa,” Pos said. “These same people still check in with Theresa on a regular basis and offer any assistance they can. The same can be said of current staff, too. It is something about that ‘It's a Wonderful Life' experience that helps you realize you have made a difference and that people do care. I think the entire Oldham family realizes that people do care about them, but it is just a tough reason to learn about the care and support that exists.

“I have known Kevin and Katie for the past 20 years and feel they have taken this challenge head on, and if there are two people who can win this battle, it will be them. Having both been athletes, they know about competition and right now they are in the toughest match of their life. Having watched Kevin play nose guard in football, wrestle with the passion of a champion, and (play) catcher for our baseball team, Kevin will continue to take this challenge head on and expect nothing but victory. Along the way, they will know the entire Warren community will help them and their family get through it.”

About 85 participated in the Bench-A-Thon, freshmen through seniors. Ouimette was hoping it would raise $3,000.

The team more than doubled that amount in less than three weeks' time.

“The kids really took it seriously, and when Kevin actually was there last Friday to accept the check, it was a great opportunity for the kids to truly understand what and who they were fundraising for,” Ouimette said.

Team captains Josh Dust, TJ Parker, Brandon Tyler and Pat Oswald all seniors presented the check to Kevin.

What's ahead for Kevin?

He's not sure, nor is his family.

“Our hope is successful (chemotherapy) treatments will zap that cancer right out of him, and we hope that he doesn't have bad side effects while the chemo works,” Theresa said. “We also want to bring awareness to this awful disease and get more people on board to try to find a way for early detection and a cure.”

Tyler is a three-year varsity wrestler (140 pounds) who raised $360 for the Oldhams.

“I have people in my family with health problems (too), so it was no problem helping out Kevin,” Tyler said. “We all wanted to do what we could to help him.

“It was nice that he came (to the meet Dec. 3). He was really choked up. And I think Kevin learned, partially through wrestling, to keep fighting as hard as he can.”

And he will.