For some high school athletes, overcoming adversity in the form of an injury can prove to be too tall of a task.
Not Cael Kolacia.
And not just one time, either.
Kolacia, a St. Edmond senior who has committed to pitch at Iowa Western next year, has been dealt with his fair share of adversity throughout his career as a Gael. But it has only served to make him better.
“I have unfortunately faced some injuries that kept me from playing for some time,” Kolacia said. “However, while they were tough, I decided to look at them as opportunities for me to grow in other areas of the game. In the beginning of this year, after being led into a collision at first base and completely tearing my glove side UCL, I really tried to focus on my mobility, stretching and continuing to get stronger in the weight room.
“I also decided to become stronger mentally. It is easy to just give up after a severe injury and call it quits, but I was determined to try to come back and finish the season after rehabbing my arm. Some of my biggest strides have been on my mentality and staying aggressive up on the mound.”
Kolacia slowly worked his way back, first playing in the outfield before returning to the mound. In his most recent start, he pitched a complete game, striking out nine while allowing just three hits as the Gaels topped Iowa Falls-Alden, 10-0.
That also marked his final time on the hill at Rogers Park, as St. Edmond next plays in Algona vs. Harris-Lake Park this Saturday to begin Class 1A postseason action.
“When I stepped on the mound Monday night I actually did not feel any emotions of having it be my last home game,” he said. “I knew it was, however, I had a job to do. I went about my pregame routine as usual and locked in mentally to prepare for my start.
“Everything felt great and I went to work. Every inning I felt in control on the mound. I knew that if I did my job, my teammates would do their jobs and back me up with scoring some runs to support me – which they did a great job scoring 10.”
Kolacia is 3-2 with a 2.83 earned run average in just over 17 innings pitched, striking out 30 batters. He has allowed just 14 hits and walked nine.
Along with baseball, Kolacia has also represented the Gaels at the state track meet and was involved in basketball. He played fall and spring baseball for the Iowa Sticks and was in the Gaelic choir, concert choir, National Honor Society and Play Like A Champion.
In the fall, Kolacia will head to Iowa Western to join the Reiver baseball program.
“I am absolutely pumped to get down to Iowa Western and begin my college athletic career as a Reiver,” he said. “The coaches, staff and players all get after it and that is something I am really looking forward to. I’ve been speaking with my future teammates and they all seem awesome.
“I think it will be a place for me to grow and to better myself as a player and person. Although it won’t be easy, I am absolutely ecstatic to be part of such an elite program.”
Vacation destination: Tennessee.
People I would like to have dinner with: Nolan Ryan.
It would surprise people that I: love fishing
My sports role model:
my grandpa, who was a great baseball player
My everyday role model: my parents.
I can’t go a day without: doing something to better myself
Nickname: Kolaco.
Favorite road trip: College World Series in Omaha.
Favorites…
Team: Boston/New England (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins).
Class: anything history.
Show: The Office.
Phone app: Snapchat.
