Hearing that Coach Gary Stamp had Stage IV lung cancer was a shock to the softball team, but the girls are doing what they can to show support and draw awareness. Yellow bracelets with red writing that say “Win every battle MVHS softball” are appearing on wrists around the school. Why those colors? “We chose yellow and red because those are the colors of a softball,” said senior Jenna Pisarik, a pitcher on the team. Bracelets can be purchased for $2 from anyone on the team. “After everything he’s done for us and given us, it’s our turn to return that support and love to him,” Pisarik said.
Coach Stamp, who has coached softball in Mount Vernon for four years, led the team to the 2A state tournament last year, where they placed fourth, and in 2009, they played in the state quarterfinals. Stamp began his career in Vinton in 1969, where he coached baseball and was assistant football coach. He also coached in Creston, Midland, Camanche, Lincoln Community, Olin, Lincoln again, Lisbon, Iowa City High, Tipton, Mount Mercy and Anamosa before coming to Mount Vernon High School. He hopes to be able to coach again this season. “Coach stamp instills positive thinking in each of his players every year, and always believes in us, ” said Pisarik.
Many in the area remember Stamp for coaching Lisbon to their Class 1A state baseball win in 1994. He has four children who were successful athletes in Lisbon.
Stamp is a non-smoker and an avid runner, but has been in poor health since December. He was treated for bronchitis and pneumonia before receiving his lung cancer diagnosis. The cancer has spread to his lymph nodes and bones.
A benefit is being planned in May, and information about it and how to help is on the website www.coachgarystamp.com. In addition, a page has been developed in Stamp’s honor at www.caringbridge.org.
