JUNE 11, 2009 ISSUE
Will Dicus (1990 - 2009): A Legacy of Inspiration
Will Dicus (1990-2009)
While most of his classmates were readying themselves for the senior prom on Saturday, May 23, Will Dicus ended up taking an unexpected trip to the hospital.
“He didn’t make it to the senior prom; he got sick and had to go to the emergency room,” said Watauga High School Principal Michael Wyant.
A little over a week later, on Monday, June 1, the 18-year-old passed away at Watauga Medical Center after a five-year battle with cancer.
Dicus was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in 2004. This form of cancer occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue, most often in children between the ages of 10 and 20.
Will Dicus was born September 26, 1990 to Bill and Pepi Dicus in Watauga County.
His father is the Appalachian State University men’s golf coach, and because of this connection, the members of the ASU Athletics Department know the family on a personal level.
ìOn behalf of the entire Appalachian Athletics family, I extend our deepest condolences to Bill, Pepi and the entire Dicus family,î said Charlie Cobb, ASU director of Athletics. ìWillís courage and the sacrifices that Bill and Pepi made throughout Willís fight are examples that all of us can learn from.
A celebration of the life of Will Dicus was held Sunday, June 7 at the Boone United Methodist Church. In lieu of food or flowers, the family requested contributions to Watauga Baseball through the WHS Booster Club (PO Box 1171, Boone, NC 28607).
To say that the high school community, ASU Athletics members and other local citizens have gleaned inspiration from Dicus’ life would indubitably fall as an understatement.
During the last few years, yellow “Pray For Dicus” bumper stickers haven been a common sight on cars traversing roads throughout the High Country. The Watauga High School senior passed away on June 1 at Watauga Medical Center following a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Photo by Ken Ketchie
Biologically speaking, Dicus was an only child, but at the ceremony June 7, “it sounded like he had about 500 [siblings],” said Troy Heustess, ASU’s associate athletic director.
An avid baseball player, Dicus continued to pitch for the WHS baseball team during the past two seasons and supported them even when his physical condition forced him off the field.
“He came to the games even when he was not able to play,” Wyant said. “He served as a major inspiration to the team, [and] I think they were better players, and probably a better team, because he was there.”
Heustess attributes Dicus’ inner strength to his parents.
Yellow “Pray for Dicus” stickers began appearing four or five years ago, and at the time, “I don’t think anyone thought he’d be here that much longer,” Heustess said. “[But] he stuck around long enough to wear a lot of them out. He’s been a strong kid and a lot of people have seen it. It’s got to be a reflection of his parents and the influence of home, and they’re to be commended.”
Dicus’ parents did everything they could for him, Heustess added. “I can’t do anything but applaud [Bill Dicus] and his wife for the way they stood by him and gave him every opportunity to live a young man could have in that situation.”
Throughout it all, Dicus’ father retained as positive an outlook as possible and continued to be dependable at work.
“He’s been, for the most part, pretty private about it, but he didn’t shirk his duties because of this ordeal. He’s been as upbeat as you could expect,” Heustess said.
Dicus’ parents told Heustess, “We don’t see this as a five-year battle; we see this as the time we’ve been allowed to have with our son,” he said.
During his time at the high school, Dicus was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
“I think [Will Dicus] was an inspiration not only to the students, but also to the faculty,” Wyant said. “Even this past year when [the cancer] got bad, he kept up with his work and met all the requirements for graduation,” Wyant said.
Watauga High School’s graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, involved a special mention of Dicus and three other students.
“This class had four students who didn’t make it to graduation,” Wyant said.
A table set up in front of the stage on graduation day displayed the names and pictures of the four students, along with a vase of four white roses and four candles.
The four speakers at graduation each lit a candle in commemoration.
Along with Dicus, Jose Juan “J.J.” Nava Roa (1988-2006), Ryan Glenny (1990-2007) and Daniel Scott (1991-2009) were students whose memories were honored at graduation.
Trio of Races to Benefit Dicus Family
The Ryan’s Rock n Roll Run to benefit the Dicus family will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20.
Ryan Glenny, the run’s namesake, died at age 16—also from Ewing’s sarcoma.
The Boone Greenway event will include live music during the three races: a one-mile, a 5K and a five-mile. The entry fee is $20 and includes a free t-shirt.
Participants can either register Friday, June 19, behind the Watauga Swim Complex or online at www.ryansrocknrollrun.com.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
