The Howard family of Centerville recently got a phone call from their oldest son who's stationed in Iraq. Among the catching-up topics, Ryan Howard wanted to know who had received the Air Force-sponsored baseball scholarship that bears his name.

He was thrilled to learn somebody with his same last name was the recipient of the annual Ryan Howard Heart Award given to a member of the West High ballclub — especially considering that somebody was a former teammate who happens to be a sibling, Bryce "Bozz" Howard.

"It was kind of nice to let him know his younger brother won it," said Rob Howard, their father. "Those two were joined at the hip, so it was nice to see younger brother win it."

The scholarship — given to a senior baseball player at West who shows heart and leadership on and off the field — was started to commemorate the remarkable recovery Ryan made after undergoing heart surgery a few years ago.

While in high school, the family found out that his right atrium had three holes in it and had to be rebuilt. One doctor declared that he shouldn't be walking, let alone playing baseball.

Like many teenagers are wont to do, Ryan did just the opposite. According to his dad, he awed Primary Children's Medical Center care-takers with his remarkable and rapid recovery. Six months later, he was inducted into the Air Force with basically a clean bill of health.

Ryan Howard is currently serving with the Fighting 55th Security Forces in Camp Bucca. He's also done duty on Air Force One.

"They must think something of him," his father said, referring to Air Force brass. "He's quite a young man. They both are. They're tough individuals."

Bryce, who said he received his nickname because "he's kind of a crazy kid like Brian Bosworth," has strived for the award since its inception three years ago. That he batted .350 with 30 RBIs, six doubles and a homer for the Panthers while also being involved in student government and carrying a 3.85 GPA made his selection a no-brainer. He'll use the scholarship to pitch and play third base at North Iowa Area Community College.

"It was a great thrill when that happened," he said of receiving the award. "It's been one of my goals to get this from my brother. I kept practicing and plugging away. I wanted to get it and got some good motivation. Luckily, I got it."

Both Howards are highly thought of at West, as this award can attest. Ryan transferred there from Viewmont his senior season; Bozz went and played there all four of his high school years because he liked the school and the program. Former athletic director Marce Wilson previously told the Morning News he was impressed how Ryan Howard came into his senior season "with more heart, even though he had a bad heart. He made a great sacrifice at a young age."