Coach Dick Wilson

The 26th Annual

Woodbury Country Ramble

Sunday, August 24, 2008

9:00 AM - 5K Road Race and 2 Mile Health Walk

9:45 AM - Coach/Judge Ed Kellman Ramble Scrambles

Dick Wilson was a Monroe-Woodbury teacher, track and cross country coach, and Scout leader. Dick's life was cut short by ALS, a degenerative neuro-muscular disease. He was 51 when he died and was diagnosed six years before his death.

The Dick Wilson Scholarship Fund has provided scholarships for high school students in his honor. The students selected to receive these awards exemplify the work ethics, team leadership and community service demonstrated by Dick Wilson.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, affects the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. There is no known cause or cure for the disease at this time. Ongoing research is directed to finding a cure. Currently, over 30,000 Americans have the disease, with fifteen known cases in the Hudson Valley, including five in the Monroe-Woodbury area. The average survival rate is three years from diagnosis, though 25% with ALS live for five years, or more.

Suzanne LaBurt, Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1981, shares her memories of Coach Wilson

When asked about Dick Wilson, what immediately comes to my mind is a genuine nice guy; a class act. I recall him as calm and even-tempered (a welcomed complement to Coach Lou Hall's often fiery nature). These two were a coaching team unmatched, instilling Monroe-Woodbury Purple Pride and inspiring all of us kids (talented or not) to our full potential.

It wouldn't have been the same without Coach Wilson. My memories of Coach Wilson being there for us: he was always positive and encouraging during workouts (thank you!); of him dutifully doing the "Paddy Wagon" (his pickup truck) pick-up of the runners from the infamous West Point 9 mile; of him giving rides home to a bunch of girls when they missed the late bus due to a particularly arduous hill repeat session meted out by Coach Hall.

When I heard that Coach Wilson had ALS, I was stunned and saddened. How truly tragic that a disease would rob life from him and he from us.

By running in or volunteering for this race held in his honor, we can remember his gift of guiding, teaching and coaching. Our participation has and will continue to benefit the kids through the Dick Wilson Scholarship.