Participants sign in for Laps for Landon Tuesday night at the HPER Building. Chris Franklin/ The Bulletin

Despite rainy weather, Laps 4 Landon, named for four-year-old Emporia resident Landon Dody, was held at Welch Stadium on Tuesday evening to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“Laps 4 Landon means people are being supportive of a cure, and to me it means hope and a longer life for my son,” said Landon’s mother, Blythe Eddy, associate director of the Center for Student Involvement.

The event was organized by health promotion majors and Jen Thomas, assistant professor of health and physical education. Thomas Eddy, professor of biology, is Landon’s grandfather and his aunt, Laura Eddy, is director of admissions.

Landon faces daily treatments for Cystic Fibrosis, which affects the lungs and digestive system. He has to wear a vest which shakes loose the mucus in his lungs and undergoes breathing treatments in which he inhales medicines through a nebulizer.

Landon spends his days at home with sitters to avoid getting sick in public daycare, but plans to attend kindergarten in a year.

“He is very, very energetic,” Blythe Eddy said. “I don’t think that cystic fibrosis slows him down for the most part really. He just acts like a regular four-year-old.”

Last year, the event drew more than 500 people and raised $4,000 for CFF, Thomas said. This year, before the event had even begun the fundraiser had already raised $500.

“I’m very thankful for Jen Thomas and all of the students who take their time to request prizes from sponsors, the city of Emporia and all the businesses and how they support this event is amazing,” Eddy said.

The event persevered through the rain and moved inside the HPER building into two gyms, one for the prizes and the other for walking and for the children in attendance to play with ESU athletes.

Students and members of the community bid on items in a silent auction for the cause. They walked around the gym and got the opportunity to see Landon running around, exemplifying the energetic four-year-old his mother described.

“The best part of (Laps 4 Landon) is getting to see Landon running around and having fun,” said Alison Germany, senior health promotion major.

Thomas said the event gave health promotion majors an opportunity to market an event and also a chance to support a worthy cause.

“Blythe and I have been friends since the sixth grade and when it turned out that Landon had Cystic Fibrosis it was just ‘well, we need to do something,’” Thomas said. “We want family and friends to be able to feel like they’re doing something for him.”

This year, the event raised $2,500 and had about 500 attendees. Thomas said they also received donations after the event from people that wanted to help but were unable to attend.

Charlie Heptas

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A glow rose from Welch Stadium at Emporia Sate as students gathered last night at a candlelight vigil in memory of junior business marketing major Samuel Williams. Williams was found dead on Wednesday as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Over 150 students came to the candlelight vigil held for Williams last night. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

His former track coach, John David Harris, said that the autopsy report showed no evidence of alcohol or drug use.

As an All-American track athlete with a personal best time of 20.99 seconds for 200 meters, Williams undoubtedly contributed to the team, but his teammates said his talent surpassed athletic ability.

“The guy was a world class athlete, I had no doubt in my mind that he would have been in the Olympics one day if he wanted to, he had that kind of talent,” said Kent Lonberger, junior communication major and member of the track team. “But he was also a great teammate. He led by example, and had very few words, but when he spoke, he meant it and you could always get a good laugh out of Sam.”

A starting block was set up on the track in memory of Williams. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

Harris recalled an example of Sam’s sportsmanlike attitude.

“Last year after the outdoor championships, it was my last year coaching,” Harris said. “He gave me his All-American award, and he was just very grateful. I was just a provider of workouts and here he is showing me his gratitude.”

Williams was determined and confident in his athletic ability even before he had the support of the coaching staff, which he showed when he first approached Harris.

“The first time he walked into my office, he asked if he could run track,” Harris said. “When you hear somebody say they can run 10.3 seconds in the 100 meter, you kind of laugh it off, but the first time I saw him at practice, he took about three steps and I looked at the other coaches and just smiled.”

Jennifet Baldwin/ The Bulletin

At that same practice, Williams made a first impression on teammate Derwin Hall, sophomore pre-physical therapy major.

“I remember the first time I met Sam, I was actually intimidated,” Hall said. “But once you talk to him, or he cracks a smile, or you get to know his personality, you just see that he’s the sweetest guy.”

Lonberger said that he will remember Williams for his character.

Track coach David Harris stands next to the illuminated finish line during Thursday night's candlelight vigil. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

“Sam had the biggest smile ever, he was a great friend and loyal,” Lonberger said. “He was there for you whenever you needed it. He was just a great guy.”

His personality was one that Lonberger said will not soon be forgotten.

“It’s amazing to me, all of the people that showed up,” Lonberger said. “He was only here two years, but he affected a lot of people and changed a lot of lives. As a team, we are going to do whatever we can to honor him in our lives and on the track.”

Brooke Kent, senior psychology major, said that Williams will remain an inspiration for the team.

“I think everybody on this team is going to miss him,” Kent said. “But I know our team is going to be stronger because of this.”

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