Oklahoma City University Athletics

This past June, David Mann received news of his best friend since elementary school, Ben Kivitz, being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

For Mann, his best friend gives him that motivation on a hard day.

“Whenever I think that I am too tired to go to baseball or to do something I think about Ben, and I think if he can go through chemo and radiation with a smile on his face I can give my all today,” said Mann.

 This past week, Mann hit for the cycle against St. Greg’s. He had a .545 batting average, two home runs and 10 RBIs. He is this week’s Super Star of the Week.

“It’s my first time to hit for the cycle,” said Mann. “It is a very rare thing. I am just trying to put my best swing on the baseball every time at bat. I am flattered to get this honor, but I am nothing without my team. We have guys left and right who have talent. It’s easy to do my job when you have guys who are mental and physical strong like my teammates.”

Ben has taught Mann to value life and take advantage of every day. He does not feel sorry for, but admires him for his perseverance and outlook on life. He takes Ben’s outlook with him to all parts of his life.

Ben tells people, “Don’t feel sorry for me, you didn’t do this to me. You go do your thing and be your best. All I need is your prayers not your sympathy.” Mann said: “He lives every day of his life to the fullest, he wakes up everyday knowing its going to be great.”

Mann not only admires his best friend but is humble in his achievements. He says his success is from his team and coaches; he is just honored to do his part.

“The coaches bring out the best in everyone, even if we all butt heads sometimes. Keith Lytle and Denney Crabaugh put tons of time and effort into every thing we do. To me, when all the time that goes into baseball finally comes to show, it is the greatest joy. When you and your coach work on a little tweak that no one can see but makes a huge impact, is an unbelievable feeling. I can only imagine how it makes the coaches feel.”