Jimmy Guy has been proud to be a member of the MR8 Foundation, running in memory of the youngest person killed in the horrific 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, 8-year-old Martin Richard.
Guy, the Salem High cross country and track coach, took part in the last event to raise money for the foundation, the MR8K, on Labor Day. Shortly after that race, the Richard family announced it was stepping back from marathons and use the millions it has build up for worthy endeavors.
"I planned to end running marathons for the foundation this year with Chicago and New York City," said Guy. "However, I had to defer Chicago due to personal challenges. I am strongly considering running Boston 2020 for Team MR8 as part of their final team and legacy run.
"I can't see myself not being a part of it, because the team and Richard family have been amazing over the last five years."
The MR8 Foundation has raised millions for many worthy charities, finished building the spectacular children's park in memory of their son, and just recently saw that the statues honoring all the victims were completed and placed along Boylston Street. The family decided now was the time to take a step back.
"I support the decision of the Richard family, knowing Team MR8 will always be family," said Guy, who got involved initially because of feeling a strong connection with Bill Richard, who graduated from Salem High.
The message Martin expressed of spreading kindness and to stop hurting people struck a cord with people young and old, allowing Team MR8 to continue to grow. Guy has raised thousands of dollars for the fund in the many events he has participated in.
Guy has taken over the cross country program at Salem High this fall and is building the program. The Witches won their first meet with an upset over Northeastern Conference rival Danvers, and the goal is to keep improving.
There are over 20 boys on the roster and the numbers continue to grow. Captain Chris Barnes is the team leader, and some young talent has added strength.
"Chris reported in great shape, proving that summer hard work pays off," said Guy. "We've had some pleasant surprises in first year cross country runners Alex Reid, Max Fitch and Jack Fitch. We're working hard to develop nice battles against teams with top caliber runners."
Guy said the team's goal is to have opponents whispering "Watch out, we have to go against Salem today."
He wants to attract more girls to join the team, which is led by captain Lucy Tuttle.
"The girls have adapted well to each other, and that's something we want to see," said Guy. "Our No. 1 goal is to build character, show sportsmanship, and increase the number of student-athletes in the program.
"Running isn't easy, but becoming part of a team while making lifelong friends is what it's all about."
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Two new captains have been added on the Ipswich boys cross country team: senior Julian Colville and junior Jonah Orrath. They join seniors Liam Russell and Jack DeMarco.
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Four football teams in Massachusetts have been awarded $3,000 from the Cella Family Foundation this year.
Beginning in 2010 the foundation, named in memory of Silvio Cella and run by his son Mike of Peabody and daughter Gina, has given out $120,000. The money is used to improve player safety, upgrade facilities and purchase equipment as well as building teamwork and community spirit.
This year grants went to Chelsea in the north region, South High Community School for the central part of the state, Southeastern Regional (south), and Pittsfield (west).
Cella was the head football coach and athletic director at Revere High for 49 years, and the foundation's goal is to carry one his love of the game and respect for people.
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Endicott College field hockey is nationally ranked for the first time in program history. The Gulls, who began their season 3-0, are ranked No. 20 by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division 3 poll.
Senior captain Kristen McCarthy of Danvers is the team's leading scorer with two goals and five assists for nine points. She has moved up to fourth all-time in assists on the school record book and has at least two points in each of the three games.
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Jean DePlacido is a part-time writer and columnist for The Salem News. Contact her at jmdeplacido@aol.com and follow her on Twitter @JeanDePlacidoSN
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