7th Annual Virgil Wells Cancer Walk
By Regina Flynn Damon
The Annual Virgil Wells Cancer Walk was held on October 15, 2016. The day was finally here despite the devastation the Pee Dee suffered at the hand of Hurricane Matthew. The weather was perfect for a morning run or walk. Hurricane Matthew caused many runners who would normally be there to opt out this year. There was close to 100 runners as opposed to the 150 to 175 records from previous years. George Ervin, the walk’s timekeeper, called the low number of participants “strange” but “understandable” due to the impact that Hurricane Matthew had on the area.
The walk this year, like in the past, was special because another faithful supporter of the Hall of Fame was honored. Henry “Bubba” Warsaw was honored for his support. Mr. Warsaw was an outstanding Hall of Famer who was 100 percent dedicated to making sure the organization ran smoothly. “There was not a project started or completed that Bubba didn’t have his hand on. He is greatly missed,” said Hall of Fame manager, Wallace Bradley. “It was a unanimous decision to dedicate a plaque to Maureen, Bubba’s wife, to show our appreciation for all they have both done. The brochure this year featured Mr. Warsaw and other Hall of Fame supporters who were longtime supporters but are now deceased.”
The annual walk is held to honor the legendary Coach Virgil Wells who was a dedicated to the student athletes of Mayo High School. Medals are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female winners in 6 age groups. In addition to awarding the participants in the walk, door prizes are given away. The most important reason for the walk would be the checks paid to the American Cancer Society and the Darlington Cemetery.
The Mayo Athletic Hall of Fame is proud to sponsor this activity annually to allow the community an opportunity to contribute to a good cause in memory of a good man. The Cancer Walk Committee appreciates the participation of everyone for the past seven years and hope that you are planning to contribute and participate next year. Please save October 16, 2017 on your calendar.
The support of the Darlington Police Department, Mayor Gloria Hines, Representative Robert Q. Williams, and Mrs. Robin Edwards was greatly appreciated.
If you were unable to contribute before but would like to donate, it isn’t too late. You may mail donations to Mayo Athletic Hall of Fame PO Box 1517 Darlington, S. C. 29540. Call or contact Regina Flynn Damon, VWCW Chairperson, Leo Bonaparte, Public Relations, or Wallace Bradley, MAHOF Manager, for more information.
Short Distance Winners: Damiere Benson, Shania Santana, Taniah Harrell, Zaleayia Robinson, Janequa Black, Marcella Sansbury, Wendell Robinson, Maureen Robinson, Barbara Litch, Mary Chapman, Hermena Simmons, Hattie Ervin, Annette Peterson, Lillie Johnson, Paula Outlaw, and Henrietta Pauley.
Long Distance Winners: Pedro Campos-Thomas, Zalayia Robinson, Kendrick Walls, Gerard Sutton, Nathan Ham, Robin Slater Edwards, Sandra Brown, Sharon Jackson, Nathan Ham, Jackie Johnson, Novel Nettles, Denise Gilmore, Freddie Holloman, Broadus Baccus, Joel Warsaw, and Barbara Ann Stanley.