Ryan Walp’s Lesson To Us All–Keep Going!

As I write this blog entry, I’m flat on my back in bed with yet another flare up in my lower back. Yet, upon hearing the news today of the passing of Ryan Walp, a recent Monroe graduate, and former boys hoops player at the school, I felt no other choice, but to keep going.

Walp, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday night after a long and courageous battle, earned the admiration and respect of not only many in Monroe Township, but also others throughout Middlesex County including a nearby South Brunswick resident, who lost his daughter a few years ago. Throughout his battle, the 6’3″ 200 pound reserve never gave up his spirit. He often made head coach, Bob Turco marvel at his ability just to keep going.

Despite getting chemotherapy treatments, Walp, who has a younger brother that played freshman hoops at Monroe in 2007-08, and was with the team this summer at the East Brunswick team camp, still practiced and played with the team last season. He graduated from MTHS on time, and was planning to go to Rider University in Lawrenceville to eventually become a doctor. He just simply kept going.

After reading his story last winter, I decided to not only put Ryan Walp on the GMC Hoops All Rambo team, but also put him at the top of the list since he is the ultimate testament to toughness, strength, and determination. Ryan, who is going to have his number retired by the school, will have a holiday tournament named in his honor when it takes place late next month.

Keeping going, that is the one lesson that Ryan taught all of us. Obviously, a love of basketball helped him do that. I never met Ryan personally, but I did recall first reading about his struggles in the Home News-Tribune last basketball season. I was simply amazed at his toughness and determination. His unwillingness to give in to this dreaded disease that has taken so many. We all go through struggles in life, but with his example, perhaps we can take a different approach to them when they come along again in the future.