SOURCE: www.legacy.com

February 19, 2006

Shawn Beach was a Fairport wrestler for six seasons from 1996-2003. Riding his bike home from work on Sunday, February 19th, as he often did, Shawn was struck by a car entering the I-590 North ramp on Route 31 in Brighton. The twenty year old would later pass away that night.

This tragic event left a huge hole in the hearts of family, friends and those of us who were lucky enough to know him in the Fairport Wrestling family. We can only believe that Shawn has moved on to a better place. There can be no other explanation for the horrifying event that took place that Sunday afternoon.

As I entered the memorial service for the former Fairport Red Raider All-Star and exemplary Pete Logan award winner, I was unprepared for what the service would bring. Awkwardly sitting in the pew with thoughts of empathy for the family the song Time of Your Life, by Green Day played before the ceremony. I fought hard to hold back my tears. I could only think what an appropriate song for such a stand up young man. Shawn always seemed to be having the time of his life. As the service continued, I found it odd that in as friends and loved ones shared memories and stories about Shawn, I could only smile. It was almost as if Shawn was sitting next to me with this unmistakable smile that radiated into my heart. With every story I could picture his smile and laugh. Emotional as it was I felt that he would have rather we remembered the happiness he provided us all. His personality was dynamic. Shawn was one who brought laughter, kindness, charisma, and love with him where every his bike would take him. In the short twenty years he spent here with us Shawn lived life to the fullest.

As a wrestler, Shawn was tenacious, attacking opponents as he attacked life. Not blessed with the best natural athletic ability, Shawn made the most of his opportunities. In a big match, was not uncommon to see him growl and chase after his opponent with a win-at-all-costs mentality. As a teammate and an ambassador of the sport, Shawn brought an equal amount of passion and energy. He was a loyal teammate who would do anything for anyone. As an opponent Shawn always wanted to take the time to get to know who he had wrestled. His quirky personality brought smiles to everyone's faces. Shawn took great pride in being Fairport Red Raider wrestler.

As the service began, I saw former wrestlers, parents, and coaches file in to pay their final respects. I was overwhelmed by the representation of our community. Again I had to fight back the tears; this time tears of pride. What I appreciated most about wrestling is the friendships I have acquired over the years. I can only hope that I have and will continue to foster within my athletes a sense of pride and togetherness that my coaches and teammates have given me. I have great pride in having been a Fairport Red Raider wrestler and now head coach of our program. The attendance at the Memorial Service in my eyes was a testament to the bonds formed in our program.

On a daily basis, Shawn Beach demonstrated a deep and sincere love for wrestling and his teammates. Whether it was at practice, a match, or other any other event Shawn always took great pride in what he did. You could always count on Shawn to work hard on the mat, laugh harder off the mat, and bring joy to the lives of everyone around him. It is for this reason that I would like to create a new award this year in honor of this young man: The Shawn Beach Teammate of the Year Award. This award will be given to a Varsity wrestler that on a daily basis demonstrates hard work, determination, kindness, support and laughter throughout the season.