“My father loved running & I loved my father.”
—Matt Fitzgerald
I sincerely believed that I would live in Jersey for the rest of my life. I had no intention of moving back to Flagstaff after attending Northern Arizona University for five years. Don’t misinterpret my words; attending NAU and competing for the cross country and track teams was the best decision of my life. But South Jersey has my heart, and I struggled with homesickness during my time at NAU.
I would call my father several times a week for a taste of home. After I was done catching him up on life at NAU, and he was finally done with talking about my siblings’ most recent successes, he was always reigniting the fire under my feet. I continued to enjoy running, win championships with my team, and achieve personal bests.
I was elated to move home and be around my family after graduating. And in hindsight, I am grateful that I made the decision to come home rather than pursuing a career in Flagstaff. I did not know these would be my final years with my father.
In the second week of January my father suffered a stroke that left him with severe brain damage that inevitably led to his demise after six months of treatment.
What I bring to the table here at Dream Run Camp are all the attributes of my father: positivity, selflessness, passion, and maybe a Miller Lite here and there.
I am here to serve and wash the feet of runners who have a dream. I want to give to others what my father gave to me: a dream and an opportunity.
Additionally, I will be reigniting the flame instilled in me from all those school nights watching Rocky II with my father by the fire. I’m going to take another swing at this running thing in honor of him.
RIP Billy Shea 11/15/1966 – 7/7/2024
