Courage In Faith – Rick Heim
Sacred Heart Academy faculty, friends, and students were overjoyed to celebrate beloved teacher and coach Rick Heim's induction into The Louisville Catholic Sports Hall Of Fame recently. He also received the prestigious Courage in Faith Award, which recognizes an individual who has overcome obstacles in life or is currently fighting adversity.
Rick is a graduate of Trinity High School and has taught and coached at SHA for 33 years. As SHA’s cross-country coach, he guided his teams to seven state championships and three runner-up titles, plus eleven regional titles, seven individual state championships, and a track and field state championship. He has received multiple Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame honors, including the National Girl’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Award in 2014.
Rick was severely injured in a car accident in 1986 but was able to emerge from a months-long coma and recover from a traumatic brain injury. He is now fighting his strongest battle as he undergoes treatment for cancer of the duodenum and pancreas. His courage and faith are an inspiration to all who know him.
Many members of Rick’s SHA family and cross-country athletes attended the Hall of Fame Awards. He received standing ovations from all in attendance before and after his acceptance speech. Rick spoke about the "Four Ds"--desire, dedication, determination, and discipline--as necessary factors for successful runners and important motivators as he undergoes cancer treatment. He also thanked his dad, daughter, Alex Ann, and family for instilling in him the positivity that is one of his trademarks. Countless Valkyries remember one of his favorite sayings: "Don't be a 'wish I had'; be a "glad I did!'"
Rick’s courage and strong faith are inspirational to all. Congratulations!
#AllHeart #ValkyriePride #HeimStrong