ROC Star Program

Reno Orthopaedic Clinic and Reno Aces created the "ROC Star" program to recognize and acknowledge exceptional people within our community. Nominees stand out in one or more of the following: special qualities or skills, excels in sportsmanship, or have persevered through some type of difficulty. Thirteen people will be selected throughout the 2011 season. The selected "ROC Star" will have the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at one of the Aces games, will receive six tickets to that game for family and friends, his or her name will be announced at the game as the "ROC Star" and his or her photo and story will be posted on the Reno Orthopaedic Clinic Website.

Chance Grundmeyer "ROC Star" of the Homestand 1

Chance Grundmeyer is 10 years old and plays on the Silver State Cal Ripken Minor A’s team. Last season Chance was very sick for three months and was diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent a dangerous but lifesaving brain surgery in California and the doctors could only remove one of the two tumors in his brain. One of the tumors had spread to his ear, causing permanent hearing loss in one ear. Still in California, Chance began four months of aggressive chemotherapy to halt further growth of the remaining tumor. During this time he was given a 50/50 chance of survival. Even though Chance lost hearing in one ear, missed the entire last season of baseball and football, could not see his friends or play outside for months, and could not go to school, he had the best attitude. Even when his parents were on the verge of losing hope, it was Chance who lifted them up. Chance is now doing so well that he has been cleared to go back to school, play outside, and he’s back in the game playing ball for his team. He even threw out the first pitch at opening ceremonies this season.

Jonny Damon "ROC Star" of the Homestand 2

Jonny Damon is 13 years old and plays on the South Reno Babe Ruth Reds team. He has excelled in baseball since the first time he put a glove on. He was voted the defensive M V P for the tournament when he was 8 years old. Every year that Jonny has played Little League baseball, he has made the all star teams. Jonny also played travel ball with the Outlaws team from Reno, and was part of the 10 year old National Champions. Jonny has always been a team leader and an example for his team in excellent sportsmanship. In 2008, when he was on the 10 year old All Stars for Washoe Little League and the night before the tournament started, he was involved in a terrible accident while getting the baseball fields prepared for the tournament. Jonny received a spiral fracture of his right tibia and was out for the summer. His teammates voted not to replace him so he could still be on the roster and be part of the winning All Star team. Jonny is back in the game and made the All Star teams at ages 11 and 12. He owes a lot to the staff of Reno Orthopaedic for getting through those tough times and getting him back to the game he loves so much.

Boone Cutler "ROC Star" of the Homestand 3

Boone Cutler is an Iraq War veteran and author who was injured in combat and spent two years in recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Since his release from the Army, Boone has continued to make every attempt to recover and assist other Warfighters by founding a non-profit to assist injured Warfighters with their transition from the military into civilian life. In 2011, Boone postponed the much needed corrective surgery to repair his arm until he finish a major project to help other Warfighters. As soon as the first National Warfighter Symposium at Ft. Benning was complete, Dr. Dobbs performed his surgery and Boone is healing nicely. Boone stated, “I’ve had three surgeries at Reno Orthopaedic Clinic and I’ve never had better care.”

Hayley Collins "ROC Star" of the Homestand 4

Hayley Collins is 12 years old and a key member of the North Valleys Babe Ruth Girls Fast-Pitch Softball team. She can play every position on the field and is a very strong 3^rdbaseman, shortstop, and catcher who deservedly bats in the top of the order every game. Hayley’s dedication and skills make her a perennial All-Star player in the North Valley League. She is an outstanding player and team mate, in addition to her academic strengths. Hayley was part of the 2010 North Valley Nightmare all stars who won the Pacific West title, went undefeated in the Beaver, Utah tournament, and beat a team from Southern Nevada in the championship game, something no team has ever done. Hayley’s coach states, “Hayley is a joy to have on the team in all aspects. She contributes to her team in each and every game and practice. Hayley’s team plays on a field of dirt and weeds without the best equipment, which just goes to show that heart, not equipment, is what makes a winner.”

Silvio Piergrossi "ROC Star" of the Homestand 5

Silvio Piergrossi has been an outstanding advocate for athletes’ young and old alike. He has served as the coach of his son’s baseball and soccer teams, as a pitcher for his over 40 and over 60 men’s softball teams, and as a volunteer for the United States Ski and Snowboard Association from the 80’s to present as a race official for youth racers. Silvio has not allowed his arthritis or his two hip replacements to hinder his continuous athletic involvement, skiing, officiating ski races, or volunteering.

Savannah Schulze "ROC Star" of the Homestand 6

Savannah Schulze is a 15 year old sophomore at Reno High School. She has always been active in sports and began playing Little League Baseball when she was eight. At the age of nine she became the first girl to play on the Muckdogs traveling baseball team. A star pitcher and catcher, at the age of 13 Savannah played in the Women’s National Baseball Championship tournament in Indiana. She was the youngest player at the tournament. Savannah had a goal to make the varsity high school basketball team as a freshman, but towards the end of her 8^thgrade school year, she tore her ACL while playing the game. After reconstructive surgery, 9 months of physical therapy, hard work and an incredibly positive attitude, Savannah accomplished her goal and made the varsity team!

Jacob Tomlian "ROC Star" of the Homestand 7

Jacob is 20 years old. He graduated from North Valleys High School in 2010. Jacob was born with Cerebral Palsy and has overcome many obstacles in his life with the loving support of family and friends. He has played for the Giants on the Challenger Handicapped Baseball League for the past 12 years. This is his last year playing, next year he will be assisting his dad coaching and helping other disabled children. Thank you Roc Star program for recognizing Jacob, this is very special to him.

Cory & Kyle Mead "ROC Stars" of the Homestand 8

Brothers Cory and Kyle Mead both play in the Reno American Baseball League, Cory with the Red Sox and Kyle with the Indians. Despite being the smallest on his team Cory had the most hits this season and wants to be a baseball player or artist when he grows up. Kyle was the youngest player allowed to participate on his brother’s baseball team and wants to be a pilot like his daddy. Cory and Kyle were nominated by their father for being his inspiration through two very difficult years.

Jack Pine "ROC Star" of the Homestand 9

Born in Reno in 1943, Jack is a 4th generation Nevadan. He attended local schools, graduated from Reno High School in 1961, and University of Reno Nevada in 1971. He worked for the State of Nevada as a Management Analyst for several State agencies and retired in 1997. He has been an avid outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, skiing, and golfing as well as raising, training, and competing on cutting horses throughout the western states and Texas. Last year Jack had both knees replaced by Dr. Bray and was up walking again within 10 days. After a couple of months of intensive physical therapy with John Turri, Jack was back at playing golf and is now, as he stated, "100% back to normal."

Nicholas Palmer "ROC Star" of the Homestand 10

Nicholas Palmer is a 30 year old father of two. He served two combat tours both in Iraq and Afghanistan during operation enduring freedom. He left the army to spend more time with his growing family, and started a career as a federal corrections officer. Nicholas enjoys outdoor activities, enjoys his work, and especially spending time with his children. Unfortunately after a recent motorcycle accident Nicholas had to have his left foot removed. He is currently working toward being able to go back to work, and getting back up on both feet. His 10 year old daughter Maya says she cannot wait till the day her daddy can play a game of volleyball with her. His 8 year old son Gavin says he loves his father no matter what, but thinks it will be amazing to have a daddy with a robot foot. Nicholas cannot wait for those days to come; his children give him every reason to get back to life as usual.

Lily Jones "ROC Star" of the Homestand 11

Lily Jones is two years old and has a sweet spirit. Lily was born with a rare condition called Nager Syndrome, which affects the development of the face, hands, and arms. At birth, she had no thumbs, short arms with no elbows, no ear canals, and a very tiny jaw, which created further complications for her. After 8 surgeries, she now has three fingers and a thumb on both hands; she can hear with the use of a hearing aid, which she wears on a headband; and she has a jaw that fits. The professionals who have worked with Lily say, even though she’s been through so much, she’s the sweetest natured little girl, always in a good mood, doesn’t cry, and is a trooper. Lily will require even more surgeries but she’s a strong little girl with incredibly supportive parents and tends to face her challenges with a smile. Lily, you ROC!

Keith Turnipseed "ROC Star" of the Homestand 12

Keith Turnipseed is 12-years-old and has played in the Reno Continental Little League since he was five. In May during warm-ups, Keith was hit in the head with a ball. He tried to shake it off and continued playing through the second inning. Later that evening Keith’s parents took him to ER just to be safe and get checked out. Within the hour Keith was in emergency brain surgery for a blood clot the size of a lemon. Keith was home within 36 hours, back in school within a week, and was able to play in the final game of the season (with a helmet on the entire game). Keith went 4 for 4 at the plate, and had a blast. He was not eligible for the All Star team this year due to the injury but is playing Fall Baseball and is looking forward to next year. Keith loves baseball!

Micah Walker "ROC Star" of the Homestand 13

Micah Walker has been playing basketball for 10 years. She underwent two knee surgeries one in 2005, then again in 2009, her sophomore year in high school. The second surgery was the more serious where she had to have her knee cap realigned to avoid dislocation, like it had been. She thought she wouldn't be able to play that year but by season one was starting again. She went on to have a very fun high school career. Micah has played with Ballers, Jam On It Basketball Academy, and four years on Varsity at Reed High. During her years at Reed she had four Regional Championship appearances, three State Tournament appearances, four time All-North Honors, she was the 2011 High Desert League Player of the Year, and won the 2011 Regional Championship. Micah is now headed to Cal State East Bay, in Hayward, CA to play basketball and study political science and business. Micah stated, “Thank you so much for this opportunity, I owe everything to my R.O.C family :)”