My Son Ryan Shay

I was just a freshman for Bear Lake when Ryan was running his senior year at Central Lake. I remember watching him blow through the competition in every race. It was never a question of whether he would win, but rather by how much he would win and what record he would break. He is an inspiration to many and truly will be missed.

I've been getting phone calls and IM's all day from people who don't know the sport well, to see if I had heard. Right away I was shocked. I remember his ad's for that energy product and how cool I thought that made the sport. It's sad to think about it happening, all the preparation, and the anticipation. So sad. It stings. However, he went out running. Not sure what that makes it any better at all......but it's something.

Mr. Shay,

I am deeply sorry for what this tragedy has done to your family. I know how much he meant to all of you. I have much respect for you and your family. My prayers are with you all.

Brian Johnson

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan Shay and his family, such a tragedy.

My deepest sympathy to the Shay family and those who once knew a great and brave runner.

Ryan; I'll see you once again, when my time is up, in the trails of heaven.

Godspeed Ryan!

I am so saddened by your loss.

Know that the world as a whole grieves with you.

I will keep you, Ryan's mom, Alicia, family, friends, and of course Ryan in my prayers.

Joe

My name is pete watson I am the head cross country coach at auburn.

I ran at wvu at the same time ryan competed at notre dame at the same time I was at wvu.

I remember ryan being one of the most focused, competive runners I have ever come across. The most memorable race of my career was in the 10000 at the big east champs when he destroyed me over the last 800 metres. He then did the same thing at ncaa to the field

I cannot claim ryan as a close friend, but I can tell you I have followed his career and respected him as one of the greatest competitors I have ever come across in my life. He worked hard, he competed harder than anyone I have ever come across in my life and he loved the sport I love.

I feel for your loss, your families loss and alicias loss.

You had a son I will never forget and will always respect

My thoughts go out to you, your family, and Alicia. Ryan was a great guy, and will be missed a ton by the running world.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan's family and wife. This was a tragic event to all of the running community. God Bless.

I met Ryan in Alamosa a few years ago. My thoughts are with the entire Shay family, friends and community. What a tragic loss.

We are praying for you and your family, Mr. Shay. Please know that God is with you through all of this. Take comfort in that alone.

God bless you. Stay strong.

Godspeed Ryan.

Mr. Shay; my condolences to you, your family and Alicia on this sad day.

all I can say is I am so sorry

from Manitoba,,, all our love

peace to you

I just don't know what to say but I know I needed to post here.

Let's all be thankfull for what we have and who we have.

Ryan's story is over but his legacy will certainly live strong.

I'm very sorry to hear this news. Our prays are with you, your family, and all the friends of Ryan.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Shay family. For someone I never knew, I feel deeply saddened and just awful about Ryans passing. I think we all as runners share a common bond. Even though Ryan was light years ahead of me as a runner, we shared a love of running just the same. I will dedicate my Sunday run tomorrow to Ryan.

I did not get to see the trials race, but I came on this morning to see the results and I can't beleive what I read about Ryan Shay :-( I was happy he qualified after not seeing him in any race results for awhile, but this was a shocker...

My memory of him was running in the Big East with him... I was 2 years ahead of him at Seton Hall and remember that he ran like a beast and looked like he could litterally run people over on the track even as a freshmen. He always hammered races and left nothing for chance.

I remember reading an interview he gave while at Notre Dame and he said he used go out running in blizzards while in HS in michigan and came back all covered in snow and look like a snow monster!?!?!?

anyway, sad, really sad... my thoughts and prayers go out to his family

anthony j

I did not get to see the trials race, but I came on this morning to see the results and I can't beleive what I read about Ryan Shay :-( I was happy he qualified after not seeing him in any race results for awhile, but this was a shocker...

My memory of him was running in the Big East with him... I was 2 years ahead of him at Seton Hall and remember that he ran like a beast and looked like he could litterally run people over on the track even as a freshmen. He always hammered races and left nothing for chance.

I remember reading an interview he gave while at Notre Dame and he said he used go out running in blizzards while in HS in michigan and came back all covered in snow and look like a snow monster!?!?!?

anyway, sad, really sad... my thoughts and prayers go out to his family

anthony j

I know no words can heal your pain but you have my deepest sympathy. We should all take a moment when we lace up our shoes tomorrow.

You were a great champion Ryan