MONROE, NJ–This afternoon, GMC Hoops learned from an article on MyCentralJersey.com that recent Monroe graduate, and former Falcon hoops player, Ryan Walp passed away on Tuesday night after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Walp, who played and practiced last season despite having to deal with chemotherapy was an inspiration to his teammates and coaches on a team that finished up with a 16-12 overall record, and a 9-5 mark in divisional play as well as a berth in the 2008 Central Jersey Group III State Tournament.
Walp’s memory will be honored not only by having his number retired, but also this coming season when Monroe hosts its first holiday tournament since the 2005-06 season. It will be named the Ryan Walp Challenge, and will feature teams from the GMC including Monroe, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, South Brunswick, North Brunswick, and Sayreville. GMC Hoops also plans to honor Walp by having him listed first in this year’s All Rambo Team for his toughness on and off the court when the GMC Hoops Awards are revealed.