Ryan McCall, a member of University of Tampa's cross country team, was murdered on August 19th when he was on his way home from celebrating a birthday with friends. He and a friend were robbed at the foot of the North Boulevard bridge, which is not far from the house McCall had recently rented. According to the Tribune story, the robber shot McCall in anger because he had little money on him.
I did not know McCall, although his face looks so familiar that I believe I probably photographed him a few times, perhaps not. Maybe I just remember seeing the face at local races. Or maybe I have never seen him, and he just looks like so many other wonderful, healthy, talented, young runners. No matter. What matters is the incredible loss to the running community, his friends, and most importantly, his family.
When you leave your house tomorrow morning, whether you're headed for the triathlon at Fort Desoto, for the All Out Run, Walk, or Crawl Out 5k at Lake Park, or just for your Saturday morning workout, think about McCall, his family, and friends. I hope all the bay area races this weekend will have a moment of silence in his memory.
Read the full Tampa Tribune story here.
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