By Matt Browning

Keenan Nguyen of Kapaun Mount Carmel was chosen for the Lori Pabst Insurance Athlete of the Month for March. Nguyen is a baseball player for the Crusaders.

After not getting to play last season due to the pandemic, Nguyen is looking forward to getting back on the diamond with his teammates this spring. “What I love most about my teammates is their individual personalities,” Nguyen said. “I love the diversity amongst the group and the memories made with those guys.”

Nguyen is involved in much more than baseball at Kapaun. He also bowls and plays football, while also participating in Women’s Club, Chess Club, Ping Pong Club and weightlifting.

He also enjoys science and wants to pursue a career in agriculture or biology after college. “Science (is my favorite subject) because seeing all the complexity in life and being able to comprehend it is a challenge I want to take,” Nguyen said.

While he admits it is odd, Nguyen said tearing his ACL was one of his favorite memories as a Crusader. “But why it was my favorite was because one of my longest and best friends, Brandon Burr, solemnly sat down next to me while I was on the stretcher,” Nguyen said. “He then blankly looked at the ground and asked: ‘Do you think you’ll be able to play again?’ with tears in his eyes. Hearing the quiver in his voice made my mouth go sour and a lump began to grow in my throat. I told him in sobs I didn’t know and before I was driven off the field, he gave me the most meaningful sports-related hug I have ever embraced.”