Running on Monday to honor the lives of the three University of Virginia football players whose lives were lost in the Nov. 13 shooting on Grounds, UVA President Jim Ryan completed his 12th consecutive Boston Marathon.
The president ran the prestigious 26.2-mile race in memory of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry, sporting their names on the back of a navy tank top and their uniform numbers on the front, above the words “UVA STRONG.”
Tomorrow, I am running the #BostonMarathon to honor the lives of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D'Sean Perry. #UVAstrong @UVAFootball @VirginiaSports pic.twitter.com/J5F3c5ZFht
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) April 16, 2023
#UVAstrong pic.twitter.com/fHBgVv3MTU
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) April 17, 2023
Today’s 26.2 miles were dedicated to Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean.
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) April 17, 2023
We will never forget them. #UVAstrong @VirginiaSports @UVAFootball pic.twitter.com/lVuYB5UXN2
The tribute came two days after the Cavalier football team concluded spring practices with its annual Blue-White Game at Scott Stadium. The game was the first time the Wahoos played in front of fans since the tragedy that took three of their teammates and wounded two other students, including football player Mike Hollins.
It was an inspiring afternoon that displayed the program’s resiliency.
Ahead of the Blue-White Game, Ryan spent time with the football team and took a photo with Deuce Hollins, Mike Hollins’ younger brother, who was visiting the Cavaliers. Mike Hollins, who’s made a remarkable recovery, played Saturday and scored a touchdown.
Great to spend time with our football team on the field today. Can’t wait for the 2023-24 season. @UVAFootball @VirginiaSports pic.twitter.com/c5gh7Xff4x
— Jim Ryan (@presjimryan) April 14, 2023
Ryan, UVA’s president since 2018, has supported various University causes in past marathons, including nurses, teachers and Madison House, the independent, nonprofit volunteer center for UVA students.
Last year, Ryan ran in support of the UVA Veteran Student Center.
The Boston Marathon annually marks Patriots’ Day, which commemorates the 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord.
Monday’s race marked 10 years since the marathon’s finish-line bombing that killed three people and wounded hundreds more.
Media Contact
University News Associate University Communications
fpa5up@virginia.edu (434) 924-6856
Article Information
December 5, 2024