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Will Gibson's nomination for the Kyle Belknap
Courage Award
by Coach Barry Henbest
June, 2005
Will Gibson will
be third grader at Eastside Elementary School. Will is a little guy with a
courageous heart who loves the game of baseball. Will was totally
committed to baseball this season. Will and his dad, Bill, showing up
early for every practice. Will, ready for any drill and Bill ready to lend
a hand with the coaches.
From the first practice, you could tell that Will was a great kid. Well
mannered and very polite with his big smile always present.
He would throw and catch with players much bigger than he.
He used a 26in. bat he was forced to choke up on, with his dad, Bill,
standing close by issuing words of encouragement. Will would take 42 mph.
pitches, from the machine, just inches away. He would stand strong, stare
down the pitches, and swing.
One particular practice during fly ball drills, a ball went over the top
of Will's glove, hitting him in the mouth. There was blood and tears, but
Will's father and the other coaches cleaned Will up and sent him back in.
Will ran back to practice without question or hesitation.
Sadly, two days before the "Big Mama" Tournament, Will's father
passed away. Will wanted to play anyway. And play he did, going 4 for 4 at
the plate!
Will continued to come to practice, only now without his dad present to
offer support. He would climb down out of that van and run to practice-
Alone!
His coach and assistant coaches all agree that Will is a special kid with
big courage. They feel he has taught them more about courage than they
have taught him about baseball.
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