Clint Tirpak sat in the back of the gym at Hanalani Schools yesterday watching, for the third time, the last inning of the Little League World Series.

He's tired — exhausted, actually — but he's not complaining.

To have been there in Williamsport, Pa., to have watched his 12-year-old son play for Hawai'i's first title was worth every sleep-deprived minute. And after surviving a bout with testicular cancer this year, he's just happy to be alive.

"For us, this is just a bonus, it's gravy," said Clint Tirpak, a 40-year-old father of two sons from 'Ewa Beach. "I'm just happy to be breathing."

In December, Tirpak was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

So far, Tirpak believes he's in remission. He's waiting to hear the results of a CAT scan he took before he hit the road with the team three weeks ago. Since he hasn't heard from his doctor yet, he's hoping that's good news.

"My initial reaction was, 'Let's get rid of this,' " said Tirpak, who will get his test results on Wednesday.

His family has taken the news of his cancer in stride. They had no doubt he was strong enough to fight it.

"Of course, there were moments we were scared," said his wife, Anita, 41. "That's natural. But we had to keep the faith and get through this."

The cancer, the most common cancer in American men ages 15 to 40, was detected early, and Tirpak underwent surgery to remove the tumor. However, the cancer re-emerged in April, and he had to go through three months of intensive chemotherapy. About 8,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with this type of cancer this year. About 400 die from it annually.

"It physically and mentally breaks you down," he said. "You know, you think you're really strong, but it doesn't matter. It's killing you slowly."

It didn't help that he was also the first-base coach of a Little League team rolling through a season focused on winning the regional championship. He was going to miss the team's three-hour practices and a bunch of games.

"I had to stay strong mentally," he said.

Anita Tirpak's 79-year-old father flew to Hawai'i from New Jersey to take over Clint Tirpak's role on the team. He lugged batting cages and pitching machines to practice every day.

By July, Clint Tirpak completed his chemotherapy and couldn't wait to reunite with the team, despite his weakened immune system and a body that had lost 25 pounds.

His son, Ty, an outfielder on the Little League team that won the World Series on Sunday, was happy to see his father back at practice.

"I was a little bit scared at first because I didn't know what was going to happen to him," said Ty Tirpak, who fell into a hitting slump while his dad was in chemotherapy. "He's a role model and an inspiration to me to work hard and to never give up."

All Clint Tirpak wanted was to see the boys win the regional championship. He never imagined how far they would go.

"It's been fabulous," he said. "I'm happy even if they didn't make it all the way."

So far, he's doing well. He's back at work at Coastal Windows Inc., a company he started with his childhood friend Bob Barrett. He's gained back most of the weight he'd lost, and he's trying to live more healthfully.

But life hasn't returned to normal just yet. It may take him about a year to regain his full strength. And of course, there'll be tests and checkups for years to come.

"It was devastating, but I know Clint," said Barrett, who has been best friends with Clint Tirpak since they were 12. "He's the most optimistic person I know, almost to a fault ... You knew if anyone could best this, it would be him."

Clint Tirpak couldn't imagine a better ending to this saga. He's most likely in remission, and his son's team won the state's first Little League World Series. And he's finally able to get some much-needed sleep.

"You get a deeper sense of faith and just appreciate everything more," he said. "I feel lucky to be alive."

On the Web

> Testicular Cancer Resource Center: tcrc.acor.org

> American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org

> National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov

> TC-Cancer.com: www.tc-cancer.com

Know the signs

Early diagnosis of testicular cancer is critical. There are a number of signs and symptoms associated with testicular cancer, which usually affects one testicle. But keep in mind: some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, such as testicular injury or infection. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following: