U recruit's football career, but not spirit, on hold

Sam Maresh felt strong and was upbeat when he reported for summer workouts with the Gophers football team last week. This was to be the start of a lifelong dream for the star linebacker from Champlin Park High School, whom Gophers coach Tim Brewster only months earlier described as a "flag bearer for the University of Minnesota."

Three days later, Maresh sat in a cardiologist office, listening to doctors describe a serious heart condition that could end his playing career. He was, of course, shocked and scared, but also wanted to know if his football dream would continue.

"I'm like, 'Gosh, I just want to know,'" said Maresh, one of the nation's top recruits, who was pursued by Big Ten rivals Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa.

He won't know that answer until months after doctors perform open heart surgery June 26. Maresh -- with his parents, Bill and Julie, beside him -- told a media gathering Tuesday that he needs surgery to repair or replace his aortic valve.

The heart condition, with which he was born, could be career-ending, but Maresh and his family said it's too early to determine whether he will be able to play again.

There were more laughs than tears from family members. Maresh spoke calmly about his pending surgery and his future. He is hopeful he can return to the Gophers for the 2010 season, saying his career has been "put on hold."

"I'm going to play," Maresh said. "I honestly feel that way. With my family and everyone supporting me and praying for me, I feel like I will play again."

Unique talent

The mood Tuesday stood in stark contrast to the euphoria that engulfed the program in early April 2007, when Maresh gave a verbal commitment to play for the Gophers.

Heading home after visiting campus, Maresh told his father to turn their car around and drive back to the university. Maresh already knew where he wanted to play college football.

"This is the place for me," Maresh said that day, setting off a celebration inside the team's football complex. Brewster was so giddy with the commitment that he gave Bill a bear hug, lifting Maresh's father off the ground.

Maresh's medical condition is a devastating blow to the program. Brewster had such high hopes for Maresh that on national signing day in February, he called him "the No. 1 most important football player to this program in this recruiting class."

Brewster has made no secret of his affection for Maresh, who was the first major recruit for Brewster as Gophers coach. Rated among the top 250 players nationally as a senior and a three-time state wrestling champion, Maresh was pursued by a number of high-profile college football programs. But he turned them down to help rebuild a Gophers program that lost 11 of 12 games last fall in Brewster's first season.

At 6-3, 235 pounds, Maresh is a prototype middle linebacker, a big, physical player who loves to hit. He was expected to compete for a starting job as a true freshman. Brewster said Maresh will have a "huge impact" on his program, even if he can't play again.

"Sam Maresh will lead us into TCF Bank Stadium on Sept. 12, 2009," Brewster said, referring to the date when the Gophers open their new on-campus stadium. "Either in pads or in street clothes, he will be carrying the flag."

How it was found

Maresh's condition was diagnosed after a standard physical for Gophers players revealed a murmur. That led to further tests, and the diagnosis was confirmed after more testing at the Mayo Clinic on Monday in Rochester.

"That was tough for us to hear," Bill Maresh said.

Bill and Julie choked back tears several times Tuesday. Sam had only one physical in high school, and he did not have a murmur at that time. Maresh said he felt normal, but doctors told the family Sam would be a "sick young man" if not for his excellent conditioning.

After meeting with Mayo Dr. Hartzell Schaff, Maresh decided to have a tissue aortic valve replacement because, as opposed to a mechanical valve, the tissue valve opens the door to possibly resuming his playing career; it also raises the possibility that he will need another surgery in 15 or so years. Schaff will perform the surgery.

Dr. Pat Smith, the Gophers team doctor, would only say that Maresh "potentially" could return, rather than speculate on the odds. Bill said he worried initially whether Sam would agree to the surgery, but his son quickly understood the magnitude of the situation.

"I was worried that this big strong kid [who thinks he's] indestructible would say, 'Forget it, I'm going to play, you can't stop me. If I die, I die,'" Bill said. "That was scary for us, that this crazy kid might say that. I asked him, 'Do you know you need this surgery?' He said absolutely."

Maresh, according to Schaff, would need to meet five criteria before even considering a return to football. Maresh said he has found comfort in other athletes who have had heart surgery and returned, such as Ronny Turiaf of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.

Wolves' Hoiberg can relate

Former Timberwolves guard Fred Hoiberg, whose career was cut short by a heart condition, said he understands what Maresh is going through and would be happy to talk.

"There will be tough times, tough moments," said Hoiberg, now an assistant general manager with the Wolves. "But in the end, it will be OK. You will have a normal life, live a normal life."

Maresh said he has faith that will happen. He also has hope that his football career is not over, even though he faces a long and difficult road.

"Football has been my life for 14 years," he said. "Nothing has changed. I love the game. If anything bad happens with the surgery or if I can't come back, I'll still be involved with football no matter what. Football is very important to me and always will be."