Donald and Maggie Anthony of Roanoke Rapids, came to Northern Vance High School on May 5 to meet with members of the Vikings baseball team and offer them a face-to-face special thank you.
On April 15, Donald Anthony became ill after the Vikings played a game in Chapel Hill. Emergency response personnel had to be called to the scene to take care of Anthony and transport him to a nearby hospital.
The Vikings’ players and coaches joined the players and coaches from Chapel Hill in kneeling as a group and offering prayers for Anthony.
The Anthonys’ grandson, Justin, had just pitched in the game to lead Chapel Hill to a win over the Vikings. Despite their loss, the Vikings’ players showed great sympathy and caring for Anthony and his family members who were at the game.
Once he was released from the hospital and strong enough to travel, Anthony said he wanted to visit Northern Vance High School and thank the players and coaches in person.
With great emotion, he talked to the players and coaches in the school’s media center.
“I can’t thank you enough for the great caring you showed that night,” Anthony told them. “You are truly fine young men and, if you continue on your present path, I know you will be successful in life.”
Anthony stayed for about 20 minutes to talk individually with the players and coaches. In addition to the players, on hand for his visit were Principal Larry Webb, Athletic Director Jeff Tate, Head Coach Benji Nelson and Assistant Coach Kevin Boone.
Nelson presented Anthony with a Vikings t-shirt and baseball cap, as well as a framed copy of the article that appeared in The Daily Dispatch, Henderson’s newspaper, about the teams’ fellowship that night after Anthony collapsed at the end of the game. Around the border of the framed article were the names of each of the Vikings’ players and their jersey numbers.
The Anthonys also posed for several pictures with the players, coaches and school officials.
(Press Release provided to WIZS News by Vance County Schools)