|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: 5k Walk/Run for the Ray Mendoza Fund on May 29th...
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on April 29, 2010
|
Rather than cut and paste this one, I would rather you check out Ray's story here...
http://www.mmaauthentics.com/ray-mendoza/
In the top right of the page, you'll see Ray's picture with a hand-written note. I found out last year that that note was from his then 8 or 10 year old son. He wrote it in response to a prompt from either a teacher or his mother, who had asked the boy to write something he could remember his father by.
Major Mendoza was a leader - from what I can tell - in all areas of his life. This fund and its mission seems to be fitting.
If you'd like to be a part of this, feel free to register for the 5k here...
http://premierraces.com/2010Races/RayMendoza.html
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: 5k Walk/Run for the Ray Mendoza Fund on May 29th...
Freddy Carr added to this discussion on May 5, 2010
|
Very cool, thanks for posting.
I think I'm going to try to get up there for this one.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: 5k Walk/Run for the Ray Mendoza Fund on May 29th...
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on May 5, 2010
|
I think a guy wearing a Michigan Wrestling shirt brought hom ethe top prize for his age group last year.
I just wish he wasn't such a great guy and avid supporter of local high school wrestlers. Then it would be easy to hate on him!
Go Buckeyes!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: 5k Walk/Run for the Ray Mendoza Fund on May 29th...
Doug Brandt added to this discussion on May 26, 2010
|
I never personally knew Ray Mendoza, although I was witness to one of his greatest moments on the wrestling mat.
Ohio State hosted the 1993 Big Ten's at St. John Arena, and Ray Mendoza faced Iowa's John Oostendorp in the semi-finals. Ray had lost to Oostendorp 15-2 in the OSU-Iowa dual two weeks prior, but he won on that day, and I was there. I can still remember, after 17 years, the jubilation on his face as he celebrated his victory.
In the 2005 Columbus Dispatch article that reported Ray's death, Michael DiSabato said, "This guy was cut from granite. He was a heck of a specimen, but he was a gentle giant."
The movie "Taking Chance," which starred Kevin Bacon as a colonel escorting home the deceased marine Chance Phelps, who was killed in Iraq, had a similar sentiment. Chance's closest friend described him in this fashion: "He was as fierce in battle as he was gentle in friendship."
Ray Mendoza's death was a loss for his family, his friends, the wrestling community and all those folks across the country who thank God for men like him who defend our country.
The race that honors him begins this Saturday. The sciatic pain that is slowing my 58 year old legs won't prevent me from lining up with the rest of those who would pay tribute to this man. I hope to see some of you there.
|
|
|
|
|
Discussion Topic: 5k Walk/Run for the Ray Mendoza Fund on May 29th...
Mark Niemann added to this discussion on May 27, 2010
|
Doug, whether I meet you that day or not, I'll be proud to list you as one of the people who made the journey to this race.
"Taking Chance" might be one of the quietest (unknown) movies to ever make my all-time lists. I talk military, and the honor our fallen soldiers often do and should receive, and I'm amazed at the number of people that haven't heard of it. I made a vow to buy 10 copies from HBO and just carry them around with me. PHENOMENAL movie.
Thanks for bringing this back to the top.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
