Sports roundup: Final Larner 5K, Mount Rushmore of volleyball; VMI baseball field dedication
Final Tom Larner 5K set for May 11
STAUNTON — Staunton Police Officer Sgt. Tom Larner was diagnosed with cancer in January 2008 and died two years later. The police department wanted to create an event not only to honor Larner, but to provide some funds for his wife and young daughter.
The Tom Larner 5K was born in 2010, a way to raise money for a college fund for Larner's daughter.
A few years later another Staunton police officer, Mark Diehl, was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 2013. Police Chief Jim Williams wanted to honor Diehl as well, and one of Williams' visions had been to create a foundation to help officers and their families in need.
"That's the good thing that came out of this was we were able to start the Staunton Police Foundation," Williams said. "Since then we've done fundraisers and, last count, we've given in excess of $20,000, $25,000 to our officers who need it."
As the race continued over the years it not only helped fund college for Larner's daughter, Mackenzie Larner Deitz, but also the foundation. Mackenzie graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in 2022, so all funds raised from the race have been for the foundation.
This year, however, will be the final year of the Tom Larner 5K, which has been going for 15 years. The race is set for Saturday, May 11. The race begins at 1 Mill Street at 7:30 a.m. and runs through downtown Staunton.
"Since (raising money for Mackenzie) was the whole plan, we figured we would stop it as some point," Williams said. "Fifteen seems like a good number."
There are other ways the foundation raises money, including a spring gala, plus the competition among 5Ks has increased. On May 11 there are two other races in addition to the Larner 5K.
"It's been neat for Tom because we haven't forgotten him and we've kept his name alive," Williams said. "This will be a good time, but it's bittersweet. We're just hoping it will be a celebration and our last big hurrah."
Who are the best of the best in area volleyball history
Last week I met Chris Lassiter, who works for the Community Foundation but will always be a journalist at heart, at Mary Baldwin University. Chris was doing what he seemingly always does, walking around introducing himself to people, then engaging them in a conversation. This time he was talking to MBU students about a seminar he was going to give in a couple of days on sports journalism. See, a journalist at heart.
I met Chris there because he had texted me a question the day before following the resignation of longtime Waynesboro volleyball coach Lori Aleshire.
"Is she on the Mount Rushmore of volleyball players in the area?" he asked me.
So, of course we had to do a video on the topic. I don't think we came up with the definitive list, but we tossed out a bunch of names. Now, we want the community to weigh in. Who is on your Mount Rushmore of volleyball players (or coaches) in the Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County area? Email me at phite@newsleader.com and let us know.
Athlete of the week
Don't forget, go here to vote on the high school athlete of the week? You have until Wednesday to vote with athletes from Buffalo Gap, Wilson Memorial, Stuarts Draft and Staunton in the mix this week.
VMI dedicating baseball field in honor of alumnus
LEXINGTON — The baseball field in Gray-Minor Stadium at Virginia Military Institute will be dedicated as Lamore Field, in a ceremony before the game against The Citadel, Saturday, April 20 at 2:40 p.m. Game time follows at 3 p.m.
The field is named in honor of former VMI baseball player, Michael Lamore, who was named Southern Conference Baseball Freshman of the Year. Lamore’s generosity as an alum has made the renovations possible.
Full schedule of events:
2:40 p.m. Dedication Ceremony
2:49 p.m. Ceremonial first pitch
2:58 p.m. National Anthem with color guard
3 p.m. Game Time
Over the summer and early fall 2023, the natural grass surface was stripped and replaced with all-weather AstroTurf. A new underground drainage system was installed, new padding to the fences was added, the size of the dugouts was expanded, and new professional caliber bullpens were installed.
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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Final Larner 5K, Mount Rushmore of volleyball; VMI baseball field dedication: Sports roundup
