Tri-Cities Night honors Batavia’s Kyle Nicely
By Steve Nemeth
Tri-Cities Night has evolved into an event that shows a soccer community working to be the best it can be. That includes competition on the field, but as important or maybe even more so now it cares for its members off the field as well.
The communities of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles once again pull together with the goal of supporting a local family at a most difficult time.
Tragically, Batavia soccer player Kyle Nicely died of an a brain aneurysm on Sept. 13.
No matter how heartfelt or how emotional, there are no words or deeds which can offer enough sympathy to Kenneth and Deborah Nicely, siblings Evan, Nathan and Kaitlyn, and the extended family.
However, teammates, coaches and teachers, classmates and friends of Kyle attempted to honor the young man with deepest expressions of sympathy while trying to cope with the void his absence has left in their own lives.
“His friendship will live forever in me,” teammate Riley Miller said conveying the thoughts of many. “He is the only reason I still play the game, and every time I step on the field it is for him only.”
Tri-Cities Night takes place Thursday at Geneva’s Burgess Field. The four schools who will showcase their teams --- Batavia and St. Charles North at 5 p.m.; Geneva and St. Charles East at 7 p.m. --- will use the occasion to show their respect for Kyle and raise money via the sale of T-shirts and aneurysm awareness bracelets, 50/50 raffle tickets and donations.
Proceeds from the evening’s fundraising will go to the Nicely family. They will use a portion for expenses and donate the rest to two charities of their choosing: the Ronald McDonald House and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia.
As those who knew him best attest through their comments and memories, Kyle was much more than a talented soccer player. Many acknowledged his musical talent, however, everyone cited his humility, compassion, drive, intelligence, friendliness, dependability, humor and ready smile.
Batavia soccer's 2018 season had a few more downs than ups. Coach Mark Gianfrancesco decided to elevate a trio of players to the varsity prior to the playoffs, and Kyle was one of them. The 16th-seeded Bulldogs used the home field as a regional host to its advantage and stunned no. 4-seed Oswego East 1-0 and then proceeded to knock off no. 5 Lockport 3-1 for the regional plaque. The year ended in a sectional loss to eventual three-time Class 3A champion Naperville North.
“I’ve been doing this job for a long time, but when I told Kyle he made varsity, even though his skill and work rate automatically placed him there, he just got the biggest grin on his face like he was truly surprised! That’s a thing about Kyle, he was always humble about himself,” Gianfrancesco recalled. “Kyle was the type of guy that you would want to marry your daughter --- family-focused, respectful and sensitive to others, hard-working and always looking to improve.
“Kyle’s last name truly embodies who he was as a person. My youngest son Luke played on a Batavia Rec basketball team, and Kyle was a helper. He was always having fun with the kids and setting an example on his own time,” Gianfrancesco said. “On a personal note, Kyle was left-footed as I am, so he will always hold a special place in my heart.”
That clearly is how Batavia fifth-grade band instructor Lisa Hatfield will remember Kyle.
“I first met him as a brand new percussionist. His natural talent and love for playing drums instantly made him standout and enabled him to become an instrumental section leader,” Hatfield said. “He would continue his love for music through middle and high school, which can be difficult to balance since he was also a very talented athlete.
“From a progress report I saved from 2013: ‘Kyle was the absolute ideal student; a hard worker, a complete joy to have in class, and always prepared and ready to play.’
“Those qualities would touch everyone who interacted with him, in and out of the band room.
“As the years pass, it is unfortunately too easy to have the names and faces of past students fade from your memory. But Kyle will always be one of those kids I can still perfectly picture back in my classroom; smiling and laughing, getting along with everyone, and playing great music,” Hatfield noted.
“I am so happy to have met him, and now even happier to have these memories with me always.”
When services were held for Kyle, the St. Charles East and Kaneland soccer teams were in attendance.
“We went to pay respects for a soccer player, because we really believe soccer is a family,” Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. “It was also an opportunity to show the boys that soccer is just one aspect of life and not to take anything for granted, to enjoy your time on earth and the good people around you as much as possible.”
“We canceled practice and did the only thing we could to support his family in such a difficult time,” East coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “Our entire team attended the service, because they felt it was very important to support Batavia High School, Bulldogs soccer, and the Nicely family. Whether it was from club play or now, those (East) players who knew him, said he was a genuine person.”
That characteristic was revealed Aaron Kuhn, Kyle’s JV coach at Batavia.
“My initial review was that he was extremely fast and had a cannon on his left foot. What I got to learn as the season went on was that he was extremely coachable, wanting to implement the system we were using and doing it with a smile,” Kuhn said. “As a coach you look for kids that are receptive to your message who can influence others. That was Kyle, who would look you in the eye, smile and nod his head.
“Kyle is missed on the field but not nearly as much as he is in the locker room,” Kuhn said. “He brought positive energy that people could feed off of and lift spirits even in the most challenging times.”
And that regrettably, is exactly what his teammates are now facing.
“This past month has been one of the hardest in my life,” Miller said. “I used to laugh with Kyle every day and now all that is on my mind is the countless memories from the past eight years I spent with him through soccer, school, refereeing, sleepovers, going to the pool and summers.
“The hardest part is lacing up my cleats knowing that I will not be able to play the sport we both loved with him any more. Kyle taught me to be caring to others before myself and to never ponder on unchangeable situations. As difficult as it now seems, we continue to play knowing he wouldn’t want us to stop.”
After his passing, Batavia began using warm-up shirts with the letters K-Y-L-E on the four paws of the Bulldog and his jersey number three on the pad portion of the logo. His teammates also wear black arm bands bearing Kyle’s number three.
“I’ve known Kyle since we were toddlers, through church, middle school, and high school, we became close friends,” fellow junior Mark Lillig said. “He was always one you could talk to, because he was both wise and smart. I’d say both of us were fairly quiet in the classroom, but not outside of it. We played video games, created our own team golf league, and simply hung out.
“It’s not that he was overly competitive and one of those guys who wants to beat everyone. He simply wasn’t satisfied not giving his best or working on improving. On the field we played together so long I’d say we were neurologically connected.
“It’s been a few weeks and I’ve found myself looking to play the ball to the far left corner expecting him to be there,” Lillig explained. “But he’s not. Same thing at times in school, little things that remind you what a big part he played for so many.”
Another Bulldogs teammate who also played club soccer for Campton United, Conor Kelly readily paid tribute with precise memories.
“As a teammate, he was always dedicated and working hard. As a leader, he was quiet preferring to lead by example. As a friend, he was super funny and smart,” Kelly said. “You simply enjoyed being with him whether in school, soccer, or simply playing video games. He defined being a good friend.”
Even those familiar with Kyle for a much shorter period were similarly impressed as was the case with Campton United coach Amory Houghton.
“When Kyle tried out, I knew quickly that I’d want him to play based on what he could do. Kyle was one of my favorite players on the team because he was so willing to listen to coaching tips and execute them on the field,” Houghton said. “It was very impressive, because I asked a lot of him, and he delivered many times for the team with endless effort and ability.
“Over time Kyle, opened up a bit more showing a great humor. When I asked questions he always had a smile and something humorous to say. I appreciated the hard work he brought to practice, but also the humorous and joyful approach he had toward everyday things,” Houghton added. “Coaching Kyle was an absolute pleasure, and I’m very thankful to have shared a season with him. Players like Kyle are what make coaching so meaningful, and I will always carry those memories and experiences with me.”
Nicely's playing career also included time with the Lightning Bolts of TCSA during which St. Charles North goalie Vincent Miteff was a teammate.
“You never forget someone like Kyle who always worked hard in practice or matches and was always able to make everyone smile,” Miteff said.
Among the many online testimonials left for the family was one from Meredith Schultz.
“I had the honor of officiating soccer with your son for Tri-Cities Soccer Association. He was a great kid and always strived to do his best,” Schultz wrote. “I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in my words and in the words/actions of all who knew and loved Kyle.”
It’s been said that the term honor is a word used to describe those of high moral worth and great achievement. It has become obvious for this Tri-Cities Night that the many tributes paid to Kyle reflect the depth of how much those who knew him wish to honor him.
Notes
Tri-City Night history: As Fox River border communities, Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles have long been among the most tradition-rich in Illinois High School Association soccer. Beginning in the fall of 2009, the competition between Geneva, Batavia, plus St. Charles East and North, began using a statue of a Fox as a traveling trophy which the school with the best record kept and decorated with its school colors. On the girls soccer side, the same concept began in the spring of 2015.
While the four schools alternately serve as host for the double-header, belonging to the same conference adds to the competitive desire that also comes with “The Fight for the Fox” and the bragging rights it entitles. However, the occasion also became an ideal time to incorporate a charitable cause.
Previous efforts included: spring 2019, supporting Batavia football player Jacob Galas who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma prior to Christmas; the Jennison Family in the fall of 2018 to help former East boys and girls coach Paul Jennison, whose infant daughter required heart surgery; Saints cheerleading coach Tawney Powers in the spring of 2018 and her fight with breast cancer; North coach Chuck Riley’s daughter Carrie Black’s battle with ovarian cancer (2017); North Star alumnae Bethany (Conrad) Hart’s cervical cancer diagnosis (2017); North’s Moorea Desrouche, a victim of domestic violence (2016); Geneva second-grader Mason Ward, terminal brain cancer (2015); the cancer of long-time referee Keith Angel’s wife (2015); Geneva baseball coach Matt Hahn’s son Drew who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2013); former Viking Jimmy Klatter, who died as a result of injuries from a tragic accident (2012); and Batavia JV coach Chris Payton’s son Owen’s need for a heart transplant (2011).
By Steve Nemeth
Tri-Cities Night has evolved into an event that shows a soccer community working to be the best it can be. That includes competition on the field, but as important or maybe even more so now it cares for its members off the field as well.
The communities of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles once again pull together with the goal of supporting a local family at a most difficult time.
Tragically, Batavia soccer player Kyle Nicely died of an a brain aneurysm on Sept. 13.
No matter how heartfelt or how emotional, there are no words or deeds which can offer enough sympathy to Kenneth and Deborah Nicely, siblings Evan, Nathan and Kaitlyn, and the extended family.
However, teammates, coaches and teachers, classmates and friends of Kyle attempted to honor the young man with deepest expressions of sympathy while trying to cope with the void his absence has left in their own lives.
“His friendship will live forever in me,” teammate Riley Miller said conveying the thoughts of many. “He is the only reason I still play the game, and every time I step on the field it is for him only.”
Tri-Cities Night takes place Thursday at Geneva’s Burgess Field. The four schools who will showcase their teams --- Batavia and St. Charles North at 5 p.m.; Geneva and St. Charles East at 7 p.m. --- will use the occasion to show their respect for Kyle and raise money via the sale of T-shirts and aneurysm awareness bracelets, 50/50 raffle tickets and donations.
Proceeds from the evening’s fundraising will go to the Nicely family. They will use a portion for expenses and donate the rest to two charities of their choosing: the Ronald McDonald House and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia.
As those who knew him best attest through their comments and memories, Kyle was much more than a talented soccer player. Many acknowledged his musical talent, however, everyone cited his humility, compassion, drive, intelligence, friendliness, dependability, humor and ready smile.
Batavia soccer's 2018 season had a few more downs than ups. Coach Mark Gianfrancesco decided to elevate a trio of players to the varsity prior to the playoffs, and Kyle was one of them. The 16th-seeded Bulldogs used the home field as a regional host to its advantage and stunned no. 4-seed Oswego East 1-0 and then proceeded to knock off no. 5 Lockport 3-1 for the regional plaque. The year ended in a sectional loss to eventual three-time Class 3A champion Naperville North.
“I’ve been doing this job for a long time, but when I told Kyle he made varsity, even though his skill and work rate automatically placed him there, he just got the biggest grin on his face like he was truly surprised! That’s a thing about Kyle, he was always humble about himself,” Gianfrancesco recalled. “Kyle was the type of guy that you would want to marry your daughter --- family-focused, respectful and sensitive to others, hard-working and always looking to improve.
“Kyle’s last name truly embodies who he was as a person. My youngest son Luke played on a Batavia Rec basketball team, and Kyle was a helper. He was always having fun with the kids and setting an example on his own time,” Gianfrancesco said. “On a personal note, Kyle was left-footed as I am, so he will always hold a special place in my heart.”
That clearly is how Batavia fifth-grade band instructor Lisa Hatfield will remember Kyle.
“I first met him as a brand new percussionist. His natural talent and love for playing drums instantly made him standout and enabled him to become an instrumental section leader,” Hatfield said. “He would continue his love for music through middle and high school, which can be difficult to balance since he was also a very talented athlete.
“From a progress report I saved from 2013: ‘Kyle was the absolute ideal student; a hard worker, a complete joy to have in class, and always prepared and ready to play.’
“Those qualities would touch everyone who interacted with him, in and out of the band room.
“As the years pass, it is unfortunately too easy to have the names and faces of past students fade from your memory. But Kyle will always be one of those kids I can still perfectly picture back in my classroom; smiling and laughing, getting along with everyone, and playing great music,” Hatfield noted.
“I am so happy to have met him, and now even happier to have these memories with me always.”
When services were held for Kyle, the St. Charles East and Kaneland soccer teams were in attendance.
“We went to pay respects for a soccer player, because we really believe soccer is a family,” Kaneland coach Scott Parillo said. “It was also an opportunity to show the boys that soccer is just one aspect of life and not to take anything for granted, to enjoy your time on earth and the good people around you as much as possible.”
“We canceled practice and did the only thing we could to support his family in such a difficult time,” East coach Vince DiNuzzo said. “Our entire team attended the service, because they felt it was very important to support Batavia High School, Bulldogs soccer, and the Nicely family. Whether it was from club play or now, those (East) players who knew him, said he was a genuine person.”
That characteristic was revealed Aaron Kuhn, Kyle’s JV coach at Batavia.
“My initial review was that he was extremely fast and had a cannon on his left foot. What I got to learn as the season went on was that he was extremely coachable, wanting to implement the system we were using and doing it with a smile,” Kuhn said. “As a coach you look for kids that are receptive to your message who can influence others. That was Kyle, who would look you in the eye, smile and nod his head.
“Kyle is missed on the field but not nearly as much as he is in the locker room,” Kuhn said. “He brought positive energy that people could feed off of and lift spirits even in the most challenging times.”
And that regrettably, is exactly what his teammates are now facing.
“This past month has been one of the hardest in my life,” Miller said. “I used to laugh with Kyle every day and now all that is on my mind is the countless memories from the past eight years I spent with him through soccer, school, refereeing, sleepovers, going to the pool and summers.
“The hardest part is lacing up my cleats knowing that I will not be able to play the sport we both loved with him any more. Kyle taught me to be caring to others before myself and to never ponder on unchangeable situations. As difficult as it now seems, we continue to play knowing he wouldn’t want us to stop.”
After his passing, Batavia began using warm-up shirts with the letters K-Y-L-E on the four paws of the Bulldog and his jersey number three on the pad portion of the logo. His teammates also wear black arm bands bearing Kyle’s number three.
“I’ve known Kyle since we were toddlers, through church, middle school, and high school, we became close friends,” fellow junior Mark Lillig said. “He was always one you could talk to, because he was both wise and smart. I’d say both of us were fairly quiet in the classroom, but not outside of it. We played video games, created our own team golf league, and simply hung out.
“It’s not that he was overly competitive and one of those guys who wants to beat everyone. He simply wasn’t satisfied not giving his best or working on improving. On the field we played together so long I’d say we were neurologically connected.
“It’s been a few weeks and I’ve found myself looking to play the ball to the far left corner expecting him to be there,” Lillig explained. “But he’s not. Same thing at times in school, little things that remind you what a big part he played for so many.”
Another Bulldogs teammate who also played club soccer for Campton United, Conor Kelly readily paid tribute with precise memories.
“As a teammate, he was always dedicated and working hard. As a leader, he was quiet preferring to lead by example. As a friend, he was super funny and smart,” Kelly said. “You simply enjoyed being with him whether in school, soccer, or simply playing video games. He defined being a good friend.”
Even those familiar with Kyle for a much shorter period were similarly impressed as was the case with Campton United coach Amory Houghton.
“When Kyle tried out, I knew quickly that I’d want him to play based on what he could do. Kyle was one of my favorite players on the team because he was so willing to listen to coaching tips and execute them on the field,” Houghton said. “It was very impressive, because I asked a lot of him, and he delivered many times for the team with endless effort and ability.
“Over time Kyle, opened up a bit more showing a great humor. When I asked questions he always had a smile and something humorous to say. I appreciated the hard work he brought to practice, but also the humorous and joyful approach he had toward everyday things,” Houghton added. “Coaching Kyle was an absolute pleasure, and I’m very thankful to have shared a season with him. Players like Kyle are what make coaching so meaningful, and I will always carry those memories and experiences with me.”
Nicely's playing career also included time with the Lightning Bolts of TCSA during which St. Charles North goalie Vincent Miteff was a teammate.
“You never forget someone like Kyle who always worked hard in practice or matches and was always able to make everyone smile,” Miteff said.
Among the many online testimonials left for the family was one from Meredith Schultz.
“I had the honor of officiating soccer with your son for Tri-Cities Soccer Association. He was a great kid and always strived to do his best,” Schultz wrote. “I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in my words and in the words/actions of all who knew and loved Kyle.”
It’s been said that the term honor is a word used to describe those of high moral worth and great achievement. It has become obvious for this Tri-Cities Night that the many tributes paid to Kyle reflect the depth of how much those who knew him wish to honor him.
Notes
Tri-City Night history: As Fox River border communities, Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles have long been among the most tradition-rich in Illinois High School Association soccer. Beginning in the fall of 2009, the competition between Geneva, Batavia, plus St. Charles East and North, began using a statue of a Fox as a traveling trophy which the school with the best record kept and decorated with its school colors. On the girls soccer side, the same concept began in the spring of 2015.
While the four schools alternately serve as host for the double-header, belonging to the same conference adds to the competitive desire that also comes with “The Fight for the Fox” and the bragging rights it entitles. However, the occasion also became an ideal time to incorporate a charitable cause.
Previous efforts included: spring 2019, supporting Batavia football player Jacob Galas who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma prior to Christmas; the Jennison Family in the fall of 2018 to help former East boys and girls coach Paul Jennison, whose infant daughter required heart surgery; Saints cheerleading coach Tawney Powers in the spring of 2018 and her fight with breast cancer; North coach Chuck Riley’s daughter Carrie Black’s battle with ovarian cancer (2017); North Star alumnae Bethany (Conrad) Hart’s cervical cancer diagnosis (2017); North’s Moorea Desrouche, a victim of domestic violence (2016); Geneva second-grader Mason Ward, terminal brain cancer (2015); the cancer of long-time referee Keith Angel’s wife (2015); Geneva baseball coach Matt Hahn’s son Drew who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (2013); former Viking Jimmy Klatter, who died as a result of injuries from a tragic accident (2012); and Batavia JV coach Chris Payton’s son Owen’s need for a heart transplant (2011).