McGinley to battle on despite tragedy

[Jody]

http://www.greenfieldreporter.com/view/local_story/McGinley_to_battle_on_despite__1297383332/

 

GREENFIELD ? As he prepares for the most important day of his high school wrestling career, Dezmen McGinley is dealing with issues far more important than athletics.

 

McGinley?s biological father, David McGinley, died Tuesday. The funeral is Monday. And Dezmen, a 160-pound junior, will compete in his first semistate competition Saturday at New Castle. The top four finishers in each weight class will advance to the state finals next week at Conseco Fieldhouse.

 

?Here?s a 17-year-old getting ready for semistate, and he?s burying his father,? G-C coach Josh Holden said of McGinley, who lives with his mother and stepfather.

 

Adding to the emotional toil, David McGinley had no insurance and very little money for funeral expenses, Holden said.

 

As word spread throughout the wrestling community Wednesday and Thursday, there was an outpouring of support for the Cougar wrestler and his family, who will help pay for the funeral.

 

New Castle officials have agreed to allow the Cougars to collect donations at the meet, which will begin at 9 a.m. And the Cougars will place an empty chair near their seating area Saturday with David McGinley?s name on it.

 

New Palestine coach Steve Harding was informed of the passing of McGinley?s father on Thursday by one of the Dragons? wrestlers. Harding said the team immediately began making plans to do something for McGinley and his family at semistate.

 

G-C athletic director Kevin Horrigan has been buoyed by the reaction to such a tragic situation.

 

?For New Palestine to step up and show their support, and for the folks at New Castle to be willing to help out, it?s just a terrific gesture on their part,? Horrigan said Thursday. ?It just shows that we might be fierce rivals, but when something like this happens, we can be there for each other.?

 

McGinley (34-4) will wrestle Andrew Mitchell (25-6) of Fountain Central in the first round.

 

Donations will be accepted at New Castle, or through the G-C athletic office in the coming days. Call the athletic office at (317) 462-9195 for more information.