Perhaps nobody was happier about Xavier Prep’s 5-3 Division
I softball tournament win over Mesa Desert Ridge on Tuesday (May 5) than Gators
long-time coach Bobby Pena.
It was his first day back at the helm after a very scary
health situation.
In the hours following a road win over Mesa in the final
regular-season game on April 28, Pena became ill and passed out due to
dehydration.
It was very serious.
“They told me I had a problem with my lung and that my heart
stopped briefly,’’ Pena said. “I don’t remember much from those five to seven
hours. My wife (Regina) gave me (chest) compressions and probably saved my
life. I am so grateful.’’
Pena re-charged his system with intravenous fluids and took
it easy for the next week.
After the win over Desert Ridge, Pena said he wanted to be
at the game to help and show support for the team, “because they have always
supported me.
“I know there were a lot of people who were concerned, who
were praying for me and I can tell you that I was definitely feeling those
prayers,’’ Pena said.
Pena and the Gators will be back in action on Thursday night
(May 7) at 7:30 with a game against Phoenix Horizon at the Rose Mofford Sports
Complex in north-central Phoenix.
According to athletic director Sr. Lynn Winsor, Pena has
coached at Xavier for 10 years and has led the Gators to the state tournament
each year.
“Bobby is a great coach,’’ Winsor said.
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