Woods Cross » This was supposed to be the year Steve Drott helped Woods Cross out of its softball mediocrity. It was supposed to be the year the Wildcats took a step up in Class 4A. Instead, Drott is in the intensive care unit at the McKay Dee Center hospital.

The nightmare began in late October, when he found blood dripping out of his nose during a biology class at Woods Cross High School. He was diagnosed shortly thereafter with multiple myeloma, a serious form of bone marrow cancer that holds about a 35 percent five-year survival rate according to American Cancer Society.

Stunned by the rapid turn of events, the Woods Cross community is coping. The football coach, Fred Fernandes, took over as the head softball coach. Tom Moore, a football assistant, is helping coach the softball team. Players wear a trio of maroon, grey and blue wristbands that read "Fight for Drott," "I am strong," and "Fear nothing."

For now, the players have carried on without him the only way they know how. They play games -- and so far, they are winning most of them. The Wildcats started the season with a school-best 8-1 record.

Not that it really matters.

"For this to happen to him, its' just made us all realize that life is really short," said Woods Cross softball player Morgan Brown. "Anything can happen. You've got to live life to its full potential."

The news came as Drott, also an assistant volleyball coach, was set to embark on his first year leading the Woods Cross softball program. Drott set the bar high from day one, and the Wildcats responded. Following the unexpected diagnosis, the players were forced to make adjustments, but Drott's expectations and hopes for the team have never wavered.

So, after the initial shock subsided, Drott and the Wildcats got right back to work. Before the season began, he took the team to a local ropes course to teach them the importance of teamwork and unity. In the midst of chemotherapy treatment, Drott has still been teaching his biology and marine biology classes and attending softball games, keeping book for the team.

"I know he didn't feel up to it but he just continued to do all of these amazing things for the team," said Fernandes. "He's been strong with the cards he's been dealt."

Meanwhile, the Woods Cross community has rallied around Drott and are finding ways to help. Inspired by his perseverance and positive attitude, volleyball coach and former softball coach Donna Tippetts arranged for the "Fight for Drott" wristbands to be made and sold for $2 during the lunch hour to raise funds to offset Drott's climbing medical expenses. Many have offered to pay much more.

"He's been such a trooper. "We all support him but our first concern is for his health," said Woods Cross principal Vicki Ingram. "I think we're all in shock. We all just want to see him back here. We're just living one day at a time."

But last week, Drott suffered a setback. Heading into Woods Cross' game against Bonneville on Tuesday, the team learned that their coach had been hospitalized with pneumonia. The news sent another shock wave through the emotionally drained Wildcats, but they played on, hoping to earn another win in honor of their coach. In the end, a late seventh inning run would cost them the win. But no one could blame the Wildcats for not having their head in the game.

"The concentration level wasn't there. They were worried about him," said Fernandes. "They are always asking what they can do for coach Drott. He's constantly on our minds."

Following the game, the Wildcats vowed to battle back. After all, Drott would expect nothing less.

"From day on, Drott told us to just stand up in the midst of whatever comes our way," said Brown. "Don't let anything scare you. You can fight through anything. Always be strong."

Then on Thursday, some promising news. Though Drott remains in the ICU unit, the Wildcats learned his fever had broken and things were looking up. The Wildcats hope it's just the first bit of good news they'll hear in the weeks to come.

"Hopefully as he gets better, he'll be able to come out again and see them play," said Fernandes. "I know he misses it. He's so passionate about softball. It's so hard for him not to be with the girls."

But Drott has found ways to stay in touch. Following the team's victory at the St. George Tournament last weekend, Drott sent Brown and pitcher Nikki Fernandes a congratulatory text from the confines of his hospital bed.

"Words can't explain how proud I am of you and your team I am," it said. "You did what had to be done. No fear, great execution and team attitude. Lets go now and win a region championship. The sky is the limit. I knew you would do it. Enjoy."

Given the circumstances, that's easier said than done.

In the meantime, the team plans to send footage of each game to Drott so he can stay up-to-date on the team. While the Wildcats can't wait for Drott to join them back on the field, they'll settle for some coaching advice from Drott in his hospital bed.

"We know he'll be watching it intensely," said Brown. "It'll be good for him to be able to see us play and he'll definitely still be able to give us some good feedback."

While they eagerly await Drott's return, the Wildcats think the best thing they can do for their coach is to continue to win games.

"The girls are playing with a purpose now." said Tippetts. "It's given them some inspiration and, in turn, it's helping him in the battle for his life."

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