Huskies Share Loss2008-12-29

It is with sadness that Huskie Athletics shares the news of the passing of men's basketball player Brennan Jarrett.

Brennan, a sophomore guard, died in hospital early December 22 morning from complications following emergency surgery.

He joined the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in 2007-08 after graduating from Saskatoon's Holy Cross High School. The highly touted recruit played in 17 games averaging 7.0 points per game before having surgery for testicular cancer in early November 2007.

Brennan, 19, is survived by his mother Rita and father Pat, as well as his two greatest fans, younger sisters Natalie and Rachel.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brennan and his family and friends during this difficult time," said Huskie men's basketball head coach Greg Jockims. "Beej was a great athlete, but more than that he was a young man of exceptional character."

Brennan had not played for the Huskies this year as he continued his recovery from cancer. His presence at practices and games was uplifting though, and he even made a couple road trips. He had begun the process of coming back to the court, talking openly about how he looked forward to being able to play with his teammates. He even began participating in shooting drills during recent practices.

Brennan's attitude and approach to everything in his life can be best summed up in the sign he put above his bedroom door that reads "Privilege comes with responsibility".

"He was a one-in-a-million kid," says Jockims. "His athletic ability, combined with his academic talent and quality as a person just doesn't come around very often. He had an understanding of the importance of the little things... that you have to earn things. He understood the important things in life, and taking care of them. Maybe that will be his legacy for us."

About a week after earning All-Tournament Team honours at the Huskiehoops.com Shootout, Brennan was diagnosed with testicular cancer in late October 2007. Brennan wanted to play until he underwent surgery, despite his doctor's initial recommendation not to. He went on to play the first four conference games, scoring a career-high 19 points on 8-11 shooting at Thompson Rivers as a starter on November 3rd. The next weekend's games at Alberta would prove to be his last in a Saskatchewan uniform.

"His dedication to the team was something special. I remember him being on our bench just over a week after having open-heart surgery this November, supporting his teammates and having fun," said Jockims. "His leadership and character affected everyone, and he did it without being real vocal all the time."

Barry Rawlyk, in his second year as a Huskie assistant coach, had the privilege to coach Brennan at both Holy Cross and Saskatchewan. "It's a devastating loss," said Rawlyk. "Not only for our team but for the community as a whole. He was a terrific young man with tremendous character, and was respected by everyone who met him."

Dan Brudehl, a sophomore guard with the Huskies, was also Brennan's teammate at Holy Cross. "Brennan showed strength and determination with everything he did and accomplished," said Brudehl. "Beej you will always be loved and remember. Thanks for being a driving force when we needed it most. You are a very special individual and will never be forgotten."

Prayers will be held on Friday, January 2, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. A funeral mass to celebrate Brennan's life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon. Please check the obituary in the Star-Phoenix for further details.

In lieu of flowers the Jarrett family has asked that donations be made to the Huskie Men's Basketball Foundation. Donations can be sent to:

 Huskie Men's Basketball Foundation
Huskie Athletics
87 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK
Canada
S7N 5B2

Huskie Athletics will be renaming the Huskies Play For the Cure initiative in honour of Brennan Jarrett. A remembrance ceremony will take place at the conference men's basketball game against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns the first weekend of January.

Thoughts from Brennan's parents:
"Beej was extremely proud to wear #14 for the past two seasons with the Huskies men's basketball team. Over the last year, Beej faced tremendous adversity as he battled cancer and other health related challenges. However, with the support of his family and friends, he handled each day with unbelievable courage, strength, patience, hope and humour. Just three weeks ago, he was given a clean bill of health and was so looking forward to playing with the Huskies in a tournament in Winnipeg after Christmas. Although it will certainly be difficult for our family to attend Huskies games and not see Beej on the court or bench, you will see us out again! We do find comfort in knowing that Beej's ultimate "slam-dunk" is arriving in Heaven - and because of his great faith and the way he chose to live his life, being named to God's All-Star Team!"

 "We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Huskies for Beej's association with the program. The endless support, encouragement and compassion shown towards Beej over the past year touched him and our entire family so deeply and was respectfully received. Please know that Beej will be watching from above, be with you in spirit and has now turned from player to your greatest fan!"

- Rita and Pat Jarrett