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‘Run like the wind’

Swan-Leuze delivers uplifting message in face of adversity

By Scott Kindberg 4 min read

Microphone in hand and standing near the 10-yard line at Strider Field on Jamestown's south side, Lexi Lindamer, the director of athletics for the Chautauqua Striders, makes an announcement to the dozens of youngsters who are in attendance for the organization's Youth Track & Field Development Program "Coach's Day."

"Who," Lindamer asks, "is excited to see their coaches get soaking wet?"

Excited yells and screams ensue.

Before you know it, coaches find their assigned chairs and prepare to participate in the "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge," which raises money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Standing behind each one are kids in their early teens, who are poised to perform the "dousing" honors.

The anticipation is real.

One by one, the coaches brace for the frigid shower, much to the delight of the kids. Finally, there is one coach who remains dry, but not for long.

The chants begin.

"Coach Sean, Coach Sean, Coach Sean."

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Sean Swan-Leuze has been a Striders coach for nine years. The admiration for him Tuesday evening was readily apparent.

"Sean has made a huge impact on me personally," Lindamer told the crowd, "not just because he volunteers literally at every single race, at every single fundraiser and at every event we've ever held, but I've also had the privilege of seeing some things that maybe not everyone gets to see."

She said they include his "unconditional love" for his family; his dedication to his career and serving others; and the "genuine care he shows toward everyone he meets."

"Those are just a few qualities that make Sean such an incredible role model," Lindamer added. "I just want to thank him for everything he's done."

Applause followed and Lindamer handed the microphone to Swan-Leuze, who was sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a red T-shirt with blue script letters across the front that read: "Stay Positive, Team Sean."

"Thanks so much for coming," he said, "and for this sea of red, my favorite color."

And then he began the story behind his recent life journey.

"First things, first," Swan-Leuze said, then directing a question to the youngsters seated in front of him. "What is ALS?"

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Swan-Leuze was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, last spring. He noted that about 5,000 people are diagnosed with it every year.

"I have trouble with my hands and I have trouble with my legs," he told the youngsters, "but it's going to be OK. I'm good. I love what I do, I love the people that I'm around and I have a great time when I'm here.

"You guys make me laugh, make me smile, make me feel good. These tears aren't about being sad. These are about having the best time ever."

Then, with the assistance of two Striders' coaches, Swan-Leuze rose from his wheelchair and told the gathering about the famous speech that Gehrig, the New York Yankees Hall-of-Famer, gave in 1939.

Paraphrasing, Swan-Leuze said: "I stand here before you to let you know that I'm the happiest guy on planet earth, whether it looks like it or not, because I get to hang out with the most amazing kids, the most amazing parents, the most amazing town and the most amazing program. I have a great time while I'm here. I love it so much."

And through it all, he remains optimistic.

"Just because I can't walk doesn't mean I can't do anything," he said. "I can do lots of great things. I'm a teacher; I'm a role model; I'm a mentor; I'm a father; I'm a husband; someday I'm going to be a grandpa; and I'm a good friend."

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Before Swan-Leuze was soaked in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, he told the kids that he "hoped you all learned something this year, because I know I did."

Then he asked the children to raise a hand if they "learned something today."

Everyone did.

"If you can promise me that you can learn something tomorrow and the next day," Swan-Leuze said, "raise your other hand."

Mission accomplished.

And then he closed the nearly 30-minute Coach's Day ceremony with one final bit of advice.

"Run like the wind," Swan-Leuze said. "Run like the wind. That's what this program is all about. I love you all and, most importantly, stay positive.

"We got this."

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