"He's been like our father," said San Juan pitcher Generra Nielson. "We see him at school, and he's always checking up on us. We were so worried about him, but we managed to get through it because he was so positive."

Once the players found out, they gathered together and decided to fast and pray for him the day surgeons repaired his heart. When Swenson showed up at the ball field and assured them he was OK, the found comfort and confidence in the the coach's appearance.

"We pulled together because that's what he'd want us to do," said Lee. "They didn't miss a practice ... It was really strange in some ways because they never once showed a sign of panic. They would not allow themselves to entertain thoughts about what might happen."

Lee believes that's Swenson's coaching in practice. Athletes don't compete in a vacuum. Real-life problems and concerns can weigh down the hearts and distract the minds of players who are struggling to accomplish something great while dealing with something painful. Swenson has often told his players there is more to life than softball, but he also uses the lessons of the game to teach them how to succeed off the field.

"I think that's one of the reasons Craig was so insistent that they continue to play and focus," Lee said. "He didn't want them to have any excuses, any regrets. He didn't want to be the cause of them not reaching that goal. "

The Broncos reached that goal Saturday with a win over Juab. And for one, brief but glorious moment, those teenage girls felt the power that comes from making a dream reality. As they hoisted the school's first gold softball trophy and took team pictures, they also learned how to be grateful for seemingly small things.

"It was nice to finally get him back on third base where he belongs," said Nielson.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com