Leistikow continues to play as part of his father’s legacy
MARSHALL, Wis. (BVM) — Aug. 29, 2017 Reece Leistikow was able to talk to his number one supporter one last time. His father Larry, told Reece “I love you, play your heart out” moments before he passed from brain cancer. These words still motivate Reece today.
“My dad died young but he knew and we all knew that he played his heart out,” Leistikow said. “When my father said that to me, it made me want to be the best version of myself and to give every ounce I have in anything I do in life because if you are going to do something, why not give it your all and try to be great? I know that if I ‘play my heart out’, I’m doing my job and I’m making him proud because that is exactly what he did himself.”
Even when Larry’s diagnosis came in Oct. 2016, he could be seen in the stands of every Marshall Men’s Basketball game during the 2016-2017 season. He made sure not to miss a single game no matter where it was being played, giving all of his heart to his son.
Reece, a 6’1” guard, is currently a Sophomore at Madison Edgewood. During his high school days he was an all conference player his senior year, second team all area, and over 1,000 career points in two years of starting for the Cardinals.
Jan. 30 2018 is a night that Reece will never forget. In the
‘Hoops For A Cure Night’ in an effort to raise awareness for brain cancer and in remembrance of Larry who had such a large impact on not only this team but the whole Marshall community. Reece ended up with 30 points, and grabbed 7 rebounds in this one of a kind night.
“Before that game there was definitely a lot on my mind and I was thinking about my dad a lot,” Reece said. “I could feel his presence at the game even though he wasn’t physically there. When those first eight three pointers went in, I knew my dad was there guiding me along the way. It’s a difficult thing to explain but I felt him and I continue to feel his presence everyday in my life.”
Larry has had a major impact on Reece’s basketball career starting at a young age. He was the youth basketball coach for many years, and also put in a full basketball court behind local business the Silver Fox. Teammates and friends could always be seen practicing trying to perfect their game in the off-season.
Larry’s legacy was definitely felt by many within the community but few have learned more then Reece.
“There are countless amounts of lessons that I learned from my dad in many different situations,” Reece said. “As a father, some of the best things he ever taught me were to be selfless, work hard, and be there for the ones you love no matter what. He was the type of man that you could just watch daily and his presence would make you want to be the best person you can be. As a coach he wasn’t afraid to push me to higher limits and I am forever grateful for that.”
Reece now plays basketball for Madison Edgewood College and after a disappointing ankle injury that sidelined him for his entire Freshman year and an appearance in only 3 games last season. Reece hopes this season will be the year he can showcase all the talent he brought to Edgewood.
The underdog mind set is nothing new for him, he has always had something to prove.
“I have never been the biggest, fastest, or strongest and that situation was no different,” Reece said. “I had no choice but to adapt and grow my game to new levels if I wanted to be successful.”
Madison Edgewood plans to start their season Nov. 7, traveling to Cardinal Stritch University. Reece will continue to use his father’s words and guidance to get the Eagles season off in the right direction.
