EVANSTON, Ill. — Head coach Spencer Allen and the Northwestern University baseball program held a draft day ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 15, to officially welcome Sam Horcher to the team.
The Wildcats partnered with Team IMPACT, a national organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
Sam, 13, has battled a rare vascular condition throughout his life.
Sunday's draft day ceremonies included a press conference where Allen presented Sam with a contract welcoming him to the program, along with an official shirt and a Northwestern baseball cap.
After signing on to join the Wildcats, Allen surprised the Des Plaines, Ill., native, with his own locker in the clubhouse, complete with a nameplate and team-issued gear. Sam will have access to the locker throughout the season.
"We have had draft day circled on the calendar for a long time," Allen said. "The perseverance he has demonstrated through his adversities gives us inspiration. We are extremely excited to officially make him part of our family."
The team first met Sam in the fall when he came out to one of the Wildcats' exhibition games. Players have also hosted Sam at Northwestern men's basketball games this season.
"We are glad that we could finally make this official," senior outfielder Jake Schieber said. "We are looking forward to building on that connection that we have already established. I know this experience is a great thing for him, but it's also extremely beneficial for us as a team."
Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 1,000 children with collegiate teams at over 430 institutions in 45 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 30,000 student athletes.
To learn more about Team IMPACT, click here.
The Wildcats partnered with Team IMPACT, a national organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.
Sam, 13, has battled a rare vascular condition throughout his life.
Sunday's draft day ceremonies included a press conference where Allen presented Sam with a contract welcoming him to the program, along with an official shirt and a Northwestern baseball cap.
After signing on to join the Wildcats, Allen surprised the Des Plaines, Ill., native, with his own locker in the clubhouse, complete with a nameplate and team-issued gear. Sam will have access to the locker throughout the season.
"We have had draft day circled on the calendar for a long time," Allen said. "The perseverance he has demonstrated through his adversities gives us inspiration. We are extremely excited to officially make him part of our family."
The team first met Sam in the fall when he came out to one of the Wildcats' exhibition games. Players have also hosted Sam at Northwestern men's basketball games this season.
"We are glad that we could finally make this official," senior outfielder Jake Schieber said. "We are looking forward to building on that connection that we have already established. I know this experience is a great thing for him, but it's also extremely beneficial for us as a team."
Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 1,000 children with collegiate teams at over 430 institutions in 45 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 30,000 student athletes.
To learn more about Team IMPACT, click here.