Honoring Lost Football Players, Jim Ryan Completes 12th Straight Boston Marathon

April 17, 2023
Jim Ryan at a marathon, looking at the camera

Jim Ryan ran with the “UVA Strong” spirit Monday at the Boston Marathon. (Dodge Family Photography photo)

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.”

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.

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.

UVA Strong | 1 • 15 • 41
UVA Strong | 1 • 15 • 41

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.

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November 23, 2024