Abbeville junior cross country athletes Lacy Little and Heather Miller were heard screaming excitement from their car Monday before practice at the Pete Smith Complex.
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| Abbeville junior Lacy Little created this poster Oct. 20. (John Olson/scrunners.com). |
The team first read about Rigsby in an Index Journal article about Rigby being the first double amputee to complete a half-ironman, found by Abbeville coach David Aleman.
Aleman coordinated Rigsby's visit to Pete Smith Complex, where the Panthers train. "He had it all and then he had severe injuries and bounced back.," said Aleman. "I had a lot going for me (high school) and I let my minor injuries hinder me." Lillian Ferguson also coaches the team.
Aleman attended Brentsville (Va.) High and graduated in 2000. Aleman competed one season on the James Madison University team. Aleman works at a Greenwood sports store while studying Information Technology. Aleman's future goals include a career in the field of education in order to continue coaching cross country.
Ferguson, a former Panther runner, joined the team as a senior (class of 2001) and first year of existence. Following a one-year high school career, Ferguson ran four years at Erskine College (class of 2005). Along with coaching, Ferguson teaches in an Abbeville elementary school.
Both Aleman and Ferguson are in their second year of coaching the Panthers.
Little, along with team insight, created a poster that included the Index Journal article about Rigsby's competition in the half-ironman. Above the article the following is stated, "There is no pain too great." The team first displayed the poster at the Oct. 21 Region 1-2A Championships.
"Lacy took the material home and made the poster Friday night in time for the race (region) on Saturday," said Aleman.
Rigsby first talked to the team about his life, training and competitions. Following the inspirational speech, Rigsby opened the floor to questions before going on a run with team members. Caroline Bishop (class of 2010) and Tennison Dawson (class of 2008) ran along with Rigsby for a loop around the complex.
"He is just an all around great guy that would travel to an area he knows nearly nothing of to talk to a team," said Aleman.
The team competes in the Upper State qualifier Saturday at Dorman in Roebuck.
View more pictures from Rigby's surprise visit to Abbeville at https://www.milesplit.com/gallery/373.
Read more about Rigsby at www.scottrigsby.com.