Originally published June 8, 2011
Riverside student-athlete Andrew Whaley is preparing for one of the biggest races of his life, the World Games in Athens, Greece.
Like the Gladiators of ancient times, Whaley is a true warrior, a Special Olympian, but he won't take the journey alone. Along with him every step of the way is high school teammate Daniel Murtaugh. Murtaugh, a senior 800-meter runner has taken Whaley under his wings since the beginning of cross country season and served as a mentor on the track and off as well.
Riverside coach Eric Cummings saw the positive interaction right off the bat.
"Andrew was not able to run this past fall for us to due to high school league rules, but he served as a manager for us. Daniel was a team captain on our team and they (the team) took Andrew in from day one."
When asked to help Whaley, Murtaugh accepted right away. The senior will work with and train him to reach the pinnacle of success. For Daniel it is a chance to gro...