Heart felt emotions flowed Saturday
Published 8:13 pm Tuesday, October 19, 2010
BAINBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BEARCATS and Lady Cats cross country coach Mandi O’Mara, second from left, gets together with the Faircloth and Gann families following Saturday’s Epic 5K Challenge to benefit the Dylan Reid Faircloth the First Memorial Cross Country Scholarship. From the left, are Stan Gann, the recipient of the heart of the young man the Challenge is named in honor and memory of; O’Mara; the honoree’s mother, June Faircloth; her granddaughter, Hayden Faircloth; Gann’s wife, Sissi; and Mrs. Faircloth’s daughter, Melissa Faircloth.|Joe Crine
A lot of love, fond memories and other heart felt emotions were flowing freely Saturday at Spring Hill Christmas Tree Farm.
Family, friends and Decatur Countians from all walks of life were there to honor the memory of a young man who had touched the lives of many in a positive way before tragically losing his life in an automobile accident.
That young man was Dylan Faircloth, a 2010 Bainbridge High School graduate and dedicated Bearcats cross country runner.
A special guest at Saturday’s big event, billed as the Dylan Reid Faircloth the First Epic 5K Challenge to raise money for a cross country scholarship in Dylan’s honor and memory, was Coach Stan Gann.
At the run, Coach Gann, an outstanding quarterback at Georgia Tech under legendary Head Coach Bobby Dodd, received the heart of Dylan who was an organ donor.
Coach Gann and Dylan’s mother June Faircloth said Saturday was a special day for a lot of reasons.
“Dylan was an outstanding young man with seemingly his whole life ahead of him,” Coach Gann said. “I learned a lot about him by talking to his wonderful mother. I know he was a young man who enjoyed competing and lived life to the fullest every day.”
Mrs. Faircloth agreed, pointing out that, while he would always run hard and compete, Dylan would also be the first to congratulate his teammates when they finished.
“One thing that makes me feel good is that Stan and so many other people who received Dylans organs are doing so well,” she said.
“Stan and Dylan have lot in common. Both were very competitive. I know Dylan would have wanted someone like Stan to receive his heart;
“Stan and his wife Sissy, who is also with us today, are a wonderful couple. I know Dylan and Stan would have gotten along great.”
“I appreciate Coach O’Mara working so hard to put this Epic 5K Challenge together. The turnout today just shows what a great love so many people have for Dylan and our family.”
“This is going to be an annual event that will enable many cross country runners to continue their education because of the scholarship they earn through the years.”
