Feature Story 2: Separated Brothers Name: Olivia Evans

POP!

Before he could think about what he just saw, everyone dashed for the finish line.
Shocked by this discovery, he ran slower, but still managed to steal 2nd place. He was right
behind what he would later find out is his long lost brother.

Senior Daniel Karast and Southside High School junior Donald Stephens are long lost
brothers. They met each other after the UIL Regional Track Meet in April after Daniel learned he
may have a brother. The two met together and soon realized they were in fact, siblings. Since
then, the both have spent a considerable amount of time together and are about to go and
compete against each other in each brother’s school baseball regional playoffs on Friday at
Texas State University in San Marcos.

Daniel was adopted by Bill and Jana Karest after his birth parents were in a fatal car
accident. What neither Daniel or his adoptive parents knew was that his mother was 9 months
pregnant at the time. She sustained life threatening injuries; however, doctors were able to
retrieve Donald after doing a c-section.

“My parents had no idea that I had a brother,” Daniel said. “Apparently there was a mix-
up at the hospital…”

However, Daniel was already adopted by the time Donald was born. By the time child
services realized what had happened. They were split apart, until each brother unexpectedly
competed against each other at the UIL Regional Track Meet.

“I always knew one day I would find my brother,” Donald said. “But I had no idea he was
only 30 miles away this whole time.”

Daniel said meeting his brother was surreal. When he was at the starting line, he only
had one thing on his mind — winning the race. Until he knelt down to start the race and looked
to the left and saw his twin.

“I mean, we look exactly alike,” Daniel said. “Same curly brown hair. Same wide brown
eyes. Same build. We even have the same crooked front tooth.”

They’re both about to compete against each other in each brother’s schools regional
baseball playoffs. While each brother wants to win, no matter the outcome, Mrs. and Mr. Karast
and the boys will be happy for whoever makes it to state.

“We will all sit together at the playoff games,” Jana Karast said. “We are going to cheer
for both teams, both boys. We will support whoever advances to state.”
Feature Story 2: Separated Brothers Name: Olivia Evans

Daniel and Donald practice baseball together. Daniel has a batting average of .420,
something well above average. And Donald has a .333 batting average. Both are starting
pitchers for the game tomorrow. However Donald’s coach was worried.

“He wasn't sure I would pitch my best,” Donald said. “But then he saw the improvements
I've made by practicing with Daniel. He knows now that we both push each other to be better.”

The two brothers are both happy to be reunited and no matter who wins or loses, they'll
be cheering the other on all the way to state.

“I want to win the games this weekend,” Donald said. “But I am not going to be
devastated if we don't win. Win or lose, I still win.”