The Rally for Ryun Fundraiser took place Tue, Sept. 19. The fundraiser was created by Internal Security Officer Kim True, and was assisted by the leadership class. Rally for Ryun was held during the softball game between cross-town rivals, Liberty Blue Jays and the Liberty North Eagles. Although the Jays fell to the Eagles 5-3, the night was more than just a game, it was about two communities coming together for one cause.
Administrative Athletic Assistant Tricia Middleton, spouse of Ryun, has been at Liberty High School (LHS) for 17 years as an assistant to the Athletic Director, but she does so much more. Middleton coordinates umpires/refs, logistics for all games, next day payment reports and generally comes into contact with every coach, every player, down to every sideline judge and concession stand volunteer.
“Tricia has done countless tasks for the athletic program here at LHS. Tricia is the cornerstone of it. Any question ever asked by an athlete, coach, player or student in the building she is running to them,” True said. “She just does everything for everybody else. Tonight, we wanted to do something for her and Ryun. We wanted to show how much we appreciate them both, and we wanted to help them out in their time of need.”
Leadership class, advised by Kara Geisert and Marla Badalucco, also lended a hand by encouraging their class to make posters and signs for the game, and sell both t-shirts and bracelets during lunch periods, which ended with hundreds of donors to the Middleton cause.
“We had an appreciable turnout by leadership members and students from both schools. Seeing both schools unite as one for an event like this, is truly special,” senior Spirit Leader and Leadership member Ava Hood said.
The game was an inning-to-inning battle, and one that packed the bleachers. Athletes from the Sapphires, men’s basketball, men’s football and women’s jv softball piled in after their practices to come support the softball team, and the fundraiser too.
There is still an opportunity to donate. The t-shirts are $20 and the wristbands $5. To purchase either item or to simply donate, download the Venmo app and visit @rallyforryun.
