Top 10: Shay's death rocks sports

TRAVERSE CITY -- A lantern lit the route Thursday evening as Joe and Sue Shay trudged through the snow in Dunsmore Cemetery.

It's been almost two months since their son, Ryan, collapsed and died 5.5 miles into the Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City.

These have been trying times for the Shays, who are still awaiting autopsy results from the New York City medical examiner.

"The first month (after Ryan's death) was so busy with the media attention," Joe explained. "Plus, we got over 2,000 e-mails and hundreds and hundreds of letters and cards. I'm trying to answer all the e-mails, but I've answered so few compared to the many.

"Then, as we got closer to Christmas, that was the worst. The three days before Christmas were probably the three worst days of my life. My wife and I have been very sad. I don't think I've yet accepted that he's dead. I don't believe that."

Joe Shay said trying to cope with Ryan's death -- and the aftermath -- has left him exhausted and somewhat withdrawn.

The Shays, who have seven other children scattered around the country and world, spent a quiet Christmas at home.

"Our kids wanted to come home (for the holidays)," Joe said. "They called. I know they miss their brother immensely. But our house is so full of sadness right now. I didn't want to make them unhappy. I didn't want all of us sitting around the house crying."

"I lost my sister in a car accident when she was 21," he said. "I can remember my parents until the day they died, which was 30 years after my sister's death, it never left them.

"I asked (Michigan State cross country coach) Walt Drenth, who lost a brother (Jeff), how his parents dealt with it. He said his mom kept a journal up until she was killed (in a car accident). He never left their thoughts.

"I thought I was going to make it through OK, but then three days before Christmas ... I don't think I've ever been in so much pain in my life.

"How are we? We basically take one hour at a time and hopefully it (pain) will get less as time goes on."

Joe Shay said attending church and working with his Central Lake track runners indoors has helped take his mind off the struggle.

"We do have good days," Joe said. "In fact, the day after Christmas was one of the best. But still the phone call you want the most just isn't going to come."

Ryan's death touched many in the running community. Runner's World has a 13-page spread on Ryan, complete with a full-page color illustration, set for its February edition, Joe said.

Ryan Hall, who won the Olympic Marathon Trials, plans to dedicate his Olympic race to Ryan Shay, an All-State runner at Central Lake, an All-American runner at Notre Dame and U.S. national champion.

Mortensen Funeral Home set up a guest book online for family and friends to share memories and send condolences. There were 49 pages of entries. Joe Shay said he was told that site had 5,000 hits in the first two days.

For the Shays, who have developed a running legacy in northern Michigan, the torch has been passed. Stephan Shay, Ryans younger brother, is a top collegiate runner at Brigham Young and he helped the the Cougars reach the NCAA Championships this fall.

"Ryan was Central Lake's best known athlete because we all saw him running so often in the streets of our small town. We know he became famous around the world, but to Central Lake, and all of us who watched Ryan grow, he was simply that really good kid who loved to run. We hope you find peace in that Ryan left a mark on everyone who knew him."

"I didn't know Ryan, but recall getting a glimpse of him at the 2005 Gate River Run in Jacksonville, Fla., and later that year at the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis. His presence was hard to miss -- his good looks lit up a room. It's role models like Ryan who inspire and motivate the average Joes like me to keep on running. Thank you for your example."

"Growing up in northern Michigan, and enjoying distance running my entire life, I only knew of Ryan because of his great success as a runner. I was in New York to run the marathon on 11-4-07. I went over to Central Park to view the Trials and cheer on Ryan. I watched him make the first lap with the best in the country. I heard the news in the viewing stands and could not believe it. A friend of mine was the lector at St. Patrick's Cathedral that Saturday evening (runners' mass). After the readings she asked all to remember Ryan Shay. It was so moving that I wept. God takes the good ones for the greater good."

"As a former collegiate runner, avid recreational marathoner and huge fan of the sport, I extend my deepest condolences. My running club, the New York Flyers, manned water stations at the Trials and we meet at the East 72nd Street transverse every Saturday morning for a run near where Ryan went home to the Lord. If it has not been started already, we would like to have a memorial plaque placed there to remember Ryan and all who no longer run with us."

"Ryan's fame has spread to China, as I was stunned to see his picture in the China daily newspaper and grieved when I read the article. Though I knew Casey better than Ryan and competed against both in the Class D state championships, I've always respected Ryan for his hard work and competitive spirit. He took it to the nth degree, farther than anyone I know. I was really surprised when he became the lead runner at Notre Dame as a freshman, but then he kept right on accomplishing more and more. Whenever he accomplished a new running feat, I felt a sense of victory because I knew him and he went to a Class D school. I saw what could happen with the right combination of talent, lifestyle and drive: anything is possible! Ryan was a real inspiration to me and is probably the most famous runner I know. I have few sports heroes, but he was one of them."

"I only had the privilege of meeting Ryan once (in 1997) when we were both on the verge of high school graduation. But I felt like I already knew him from the legend he was in the track community. Many of us from TC high school have continued to follow his career through Notre Dame and Michigan running connections and were devastated to hear of his passing. I hope you know how many lives he touched and people he inspired, even those whom he had never met."

"Although we admired Ryan for his running ability, we mostly admired him for the kind of person he was. He was kind, considerate and respectful. We will continue to enjoy the time he spent with our family through our home videos. We'll never forget how much he loved our canned sweet pickles and wish we could send him some one more time."

"When I heard of Ryan's death I thought back to the summer of 1998 when I was a wildlife rehabilitator and got a call from Ryan's mom. Ryan had been out running and found four baby chipmunks without their mom and too young to be on their own. He scooped them up and brought them home. I remember thinking what a compassionate person. He had all these things going on his life but he took time to help these tiny creatures that most people would have passed by. Although I never met Ryan I was aware of his accomplishments, including rescuing four tiny lives."

"I am just one of thousands Ryan inspired during his amazing life, another Michigan high school runner who usually only saw the back of his Central Lake singlet. Whether competing against 'Shay' or cheering him on during a separate race, it was clear to all we were watching a ferocious competitor who would earn his success at the highest levels. In everything he did, Ryan took the bar and raised it as high as it could go. He was respected not just by his running peers, but by everyone who met him. Ryan continues to brighten the world through his legacy, inspiring us to emulate his determination, spirit, kindness and humility. His life was lived to the fullest and will always be celebrated."

9. The Traverse City Beach Bums land the all-star game and install artificial turf.

7. Gaylords Will Weber is selected by the NHLs Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round.

3. TC West football coach Matt Prisk steps down; TC Centrals Tom Passinault takes a team from 0-9 to 5-4 in his first year.

Photos

Ryan Shay-s death at the Olympic Trials made national headlines. Record-Eagle file photo

Joe and Sue Shay, shown at a vigil for their son Ryan in November, marked their 34th wedding anniversary on New Year-s Eve. Record-Eagle file photo