Unbeaten on court, unbowed in life
Volleyball star faces diabetes with the help of teammates
CHELMSFORD - His team holding a comfortable cushion in the fourth game of last Monday's match against Merrimack Valley Conference rival Lawrence High, Travis Kellegrew put his spirited personality on full display.
Standing in front of the net during a stoppage in play, flanked by teammates Danny Murphy and Chris Spaziani, the Chelmsford High senior outside hitter turned entertainer: dancing, singing, and doing jumping jacks to keep the crowd involved.
"I just love having fun," said Kellegrew, a three-year varsity starter who is team captain this season. "We had goals sheets we had to fill out at the beginning of the season and every one of mine had something to do with fun. For the other two [sports] seasons, I'm the one in the stands leading the cheers. I'm definitely not quiet at games, whether I'm playing in them or not."
His senior classmates selected Kellegrew as the student with "Most Class Spirit" for his support of the Lions athletic program.
Monday night, Kellegrew and the Lions (20-0) put the finishing touch on the program's first perfect season, stopping Lawrence 3-1 for their 39th consecutive regular-season win. Chelmsford is expected to tap off the North sectional tournament this evening.
While Kellegrew is proud of his ability to keep his teammates smiling, it was his teammates who pulled him through a trying time just a few months ago.
In late January, after three months of "not feeling right," Kellegrew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The news came as a shock to the 18-year-old, but not to his mother, Barbara.
A laboratory technician, she drew her son's blood and ran the test herself, she said.
"I had suspicions because he had the classic symptoms, so I already knew before the tests came back that that's what it was," said Barbara Kellegrew. "He'd lost weight, was thirsty all the time and had blurred vision. He had no idea what it was; he literally thought he was dying. I told my husband about my suspicions but waited to tell Travis once it was confirmed."
In November, after finishing up his fourth season on the varsity golf team, Kellegrew decided to give up fast food in order to lose weight from his 5-foot-11 frame. At the time, he weighed 175 pounds. But in less than three months, he was down to 145.
At school, sitting in class, he was always thirsty, prompting him to carry water at all times.
Then he received the diagnosis.
"I came home at 4, Mom had to work at 5 so she said, 'Let's take some blood,' before she left," said Kellegrew. "An hour later, she called and I could hear her screaming because she was so upset. I had no idea what it was, then Dad told me and next thing, we were on our way" to Children's Hospital Boston.
"My dad did a good job calming me in the car. I knew something was wrong with me but never thought it was diabetes."
He spent two nights in the hospital, educating himself on diabetes management, working with endocrinologists, nutritionists, and dietitians to find the proper plan to keep the three-sport athlete healthy.
Kellegrew has found the right balance between his diabetes and his active lifestyle. He takes three shots of insulin each day, injecting himself either in the thigh or the abdomen. He checks his blood-sugar levels four to five times a day and closely monitors his carbohydrate intake.
"Everyone on the team is more educated and makes sure he has plenty of fluids during games," said Chelmsford head coach Matt Dibble. "He's on a strict regimen, but that's what he wanted to do. He's very dedicated in everything he does, including managing his diabetes. He's just great to have around. He keeps things light."
All while helping power the Lions to a record-breaking run.
After Monday's match, Kellegrew was honored as the MVC's Player of the Year (Dibble was named Coach of the Year).
In the fall, Kellegrew will head just up the road to attend the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, where he will play golf and share a room with current volleyball teammate John Waszak.
He plans to earn a degree in education, with a goal of returning to Chelmsford High as a math teacher and eventually taking over as the boys' volleyball coach.
And he anticipates enjoying every minute.
Sapna Pathak can be reached at sportsgalsp@gmail.com 