Myles5

2008 St. Regis Raider Football Season

Part Two – Pre Season

In the Spring, Tom informed me that the Raiders were retiring #5 from the program in honor of Myles. He came to my house with a banner that would hang in the St. Regis gym along with the championship banners. The Raiders have been playing football as a program since the 1960’s. No number has ever been retired. Tom, St. Regis Principal Chris Ciagne and Athletic Director Tom Fletcher conceived of and arranged an all school assembly and pep rally for Myles’ banner to be raised.

The ceremony was an outstanding tribute to Myles and a giant lift in spirit for our family and the community. Many families attended, taking off work to participate. Coaches from other schools and programs joined the packed St. Regis gym. Players from other schools who wore #5 or just knew Myles attended, including a Division 1 scholarship athlete from state powerhouse Brother Rice and the quarterback and captain #5 from state championship final team Detroit Country Day.

One by one, St. Regis sports teams stood up to receive applause – one of the loudest coming for the 6th grade girls softball team who also dedicated their season to Myles. The basketball teams, who throughout the winter months wore red #5 wristbands, stood up at their turn, many of them wearing the wristbands. Hands held high, they flashed their wristbands and shining smiles at our family.

Guests, #5’s, Principal Ciagne, and Tom Maclean stepped up to the mike and recounted a favorite story about Myles. Quarterback Spencer talked about being spent toward the end of grueling August evening practice. On one knee and calling the play, he looks around and sees one unusually small pair of cleats in the huddle. Raising his eyes, he see’s it’s Myles, in the huddle, hands on knees listening intently. When Spencer breaks the huddle, Myles claps and runs to the line, ready to get in on the play. No matter his size, or that he wasn’t wearing any pads. “Let’s Go!”

After the last speaker, Coach Maclean called on the last Raider to wear #5. He asked James to please go over to the wall under the veiled banner. On the way, he brought flowers to Mrs. Beckley, Theresa and Casey. Then he stood at the wall and pulled the cord. There it was, slightly bigger and a shade brighter than all the other banners: St. Regis Football, Myles Beckley,  #5, “Accept the Kingdom of Heaven as a Little Child.” The banner hangs proudly today, inspiring all who enter the gym and play their hearts out there.