University of Tampa Shows Great Support at Second Annual Ryan’s Run

Current and former members of the University of Tampa cross-country and track teams were in full support at the second annual Ryan's Run, benefiting former University of Tampa runner Ryan McCall. The event took place on April 7 at Ybor Centennial Park in Tampa.

The race commemorates Ryan McCall, the victim of a heinous crime back in August of 2009 that took him away from his friends and family. A 5k in his honor only seemed fitting for the fun loving member of the UT cross country and track team.

University of Tampa track member Mike Zwijacz finished first in the race, posting a new race record with a time of 16:11. The sophomore led the entire race with a 5:13 pace. Beth Lukens won the women's race, with a time of 19:59.

Other notable performances by University of Tampa students include Mike Leone, Jake Bailey, and UT graduate Steve Cain, who swept the 20-24 age group. Their times were 16:56, 16:58, and 20:42.

Former University of Tampa soccer standout Lindsay O'Byran, a close friend to Ryan, finished third in her respective age group with a time of 27:11. The female 20-24 age group was won by Nicole Miranda (21:54), another former teammate of Ryan's.

University of Tampa cross-country coach Dror Vaknin also participated in the race, finishing at 17:47, good for 2nd place in his age group.

There were also many runners from the Tampa Bay high school community in attendance, supporting Ryan after his years of coaching cross-country and track at Tampa Prep. Claire Snyder, a sophomore from Tampa Prep who Ryan coached, won her age group at 20:16. There was also great support from Plant High School, who featured some of the races top finishers.

It was great to see so many Tampa families partaking in this event, but the real credit goes to the individuals who helped put the race on. Kevin McCall, Ryan's older brother and a UT graduate, was pivotal in assembling and promoting the event. This was the second year the race was run, and everything ran very smoothly.

Kevin had some great assistance with the event; in the form of UT track senior Kevin Harley and UT graduate Joe Ranalli. The two were best friends to Ryan, and helped out with marketing the race, course management, and running the water stations.

"It touches my heart to see all these people from the Tampa Bay community come out and support this race," explained Ranalli. "It will not bring Ryan back, but it carries with it, his spirit and his character."

In addition to all the 5k participants, hundreds more attended the event as spectator's, volunteers, and walkers for the two-mile walk, taking place just after the 5k start. Among those supporters of Ryan, were former UT cross-country team members Matt Hockenjos and Katie O'Brien. It was easy to see that all who have been touched by Ryan in their past wanted to be in attendance.

The funds generated from the race will go towards the Ryan P. McCall Memorial Fund. Portions of the proceeds will go to a scholarship that will be awarded to a Hillsborough County High School senior who excels academically and participates in either track or cross-country. For more information on Ryan McCall, donations, and race specifics, please visit www.ryanpmccall.com.