Ryan Dale courtesy St. Joseph School District
St. Joseph Christian School Secondary Principal Danny Maggart said he was waiting for his 7th grade daughter’s first cross country meet when he saw something that would be etched into his mind forever.
“Trophies and medals end up in boxes in attics and garages, but moral victories last a lifetime and truly inspire others,” Maggart said.
He said he caught the end of the 8th grade boys race where he saw two boys get their legs tangled and fall during the race. Then, Ryan Dale from Truman Middle school who was just a few feet away from the finish line went back and helped his fallen competitor up.
“The crowd was cheering loudly, and I remember hearing several shout out, probably including me ‘Finish!” Maggart said.
But Maggart said Dale helped his competitors up off the ground, and let him finish ahead of him giving up a first place finish for third.
“I was not going to take the win like that, I’ll get them next time, It wasn’t right.” Dale said when asked about his act of sportsmanship.