John Challis Memorial Award

Last year the WPIAL Baseball Coaches Association established The John Challis Memorial Award to help keep John’s message and memory alive. As I am sure most of you remember, John graduated from Freedom High School in 2008 and died of cancer two months later, ending a two-year battle with the disease. Before his death, he helped to start the Courage for Life Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to provide life encouraging sporting experiences and community support for high school athletes with life threatening illnesses. Contributions to the Courage for Life Foundation can be made by visiting its website at www.courageforlifefoundation.org.

The winner of the 2009 John Challis Memorial Award was Brandon Chamberlain of Springdale High School. We were honored to have Scott Challis, John's dad, on hand to present the award at the WBCA Awards Banquet. Brandon gave a fine speech and it was especially touching to hear him talk about how John served as an inspiration to him.

If you know someone who should be considered for the 2010 award please email Tony Villiotti at wpabaseball@hotmail.com . An individual must satisfy the following three criteria to be considered for the John Challis Memorial Award: be a current high school student who is either on or associated with his high school baseball team; have overcome or to currently be battling a physical, medical or other significant obstacle; and to serve as an inspiration to his fellow players and coaches.

This year's winner will be honored at the 2010 WBCA Awards banquet on June 11 at the Airport Marriott.