GREYHOUND SOFTBALL
Benefit event for Lyons raises more than $13,000
Blake Lyons currently calls Tennessee home. And his coaching career has included stops other than just Jones County. But the support and coming together on behalf of the former Lady Greyhounds softball head coach swelled on Saturday at the Morris Bank Recreation Complex in an event with one united goal – to support Lyons.
Recently diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, a softball tournament was held Saturday to benefit Lyons and his family as he undergoes treatment following his diagnosis. Saturday’s event also included raffle prizes and baked goods, all of which raised an excess of $13,000.
“It’s overwhelming and breathtaking at the same time,” said Bree Comer, one of the event’s organizers. “I’m kind of mind-blown because I did not think that we’d have the turnout that we have. The community turnout has been crazy.”
Another one of the event’s organizers, Kaley Jacobs, shared those sentiments. Both played for Lyons in different time periods, but on Saturday, they and many others had one common goal – supporting their former coach.
On a December Saturday, one where many could spend time taking part in holiday festivities, 14 teams took part in the double-elimination style tournament, stepping up to the plate in support of Lyons. And they didn’t have to look far to see the focal point behind the day with Lyons on hand to thank and greet tournament participants and others.
“It means everything,” Lyons said. “It’s like I’ve been telling people (Saturday), it’s overwhelming. Our heart is full. There is no other place or community that I know of that could or would do something like this. It’s amazing.”
Players from across the spectrum of Lyons’ time with JCHS were part of the day, even those from before he came to Gray.
“Bree and Kaley didn’t play in the same era, and there are girls here from when I was at Eagles Landing in the 90s that put in a team to play. It’s awesome to see. I recognized every single one of them and gave a hug to every single one of them.
It’s just been wonderful.”
It reinforced the fact that, even though the Lyons family may not live in Gray anymore, they are still fully embraced by those whose lives were impacted.
“It just says so much about Jones County, that even though we’re not living here anymore, they support us in every way that they can through thoughts, prayers and everything,” said Lyons’ wife, Vikki. “It’s overwhelming that people care so much.”
