Godspeed Steve Kopcha

Saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Kopcha, a fraternity brother from University of Michigan.

Kind, thoughtful and intelligent are words that normally do not define a young fraternity man, but that was Steve. My fondest memory of him comes from an intramural slow pitch softball game. Steve had muscular dystrophy which you would only know if you spent time with him. Due to his condition, he could not run. Regardless, he was a great slow pitch pitcher and got the start. In the pregame home plate meeting, we asked if he could have a pitch runner who would stand behind the umpire and run for him when the ball was hit. This reasonable accomodation was denied by the other fraternity we played. They would allow a pinch runner if Steve got to first base. I remember being really pissed that this went against the spirit of intramurals.

Steve has an incredibly strong upper body. He could really hit and he was undeterred by the need to run to first. Every at-bat, he stroked the ball into the outfield and took off down the line only to get thrown out at first. His last at-bat he nearly legged it out. Every out he made, he had a great smile taking it all in. He was loving every minute of it. Then, as now, I am proud to call him a brother.

Godspeed.