Scholarship honors Cathedral cross country runner Ric Bourie

Date: 8/4/2009

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern



SPRINGFIELD - Ric Bourie was an inspiration for many cross-country runners, both in his day and after.

Bourie was a cross-country runner for Cathedral High School, holding such titles as the Western Massachusetts, State and New England championships to his name. In 2005, he was inducted into the Cathedral Athletic Hall of Fame. But, in 2006, at age 51, Bourie lost a valiant battle with cancer.

Before he died, Bourie inspired the young runners on the Cathedral team. He shared his stories of accomplishment and encouraged them to strive to achieve their own goals.

Bourie's spirit lives on through the Ric Bourie Scholarship Fund. Set up by his family, the scholarship fund helps young, promising student athletes with their tuition expenses. In the years it has been running, more than $5,000 has been awarded.

To help raise money for the scholarship fund, the Bourie family has been putting on the Ric Bourie Memorial Golf Tournament since 2006. This year's tournament will be taking place Sept. 28 at the Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow.

Anyone who would like to donate to the tournament can mail donations to Ric Bourie Memorial Tournament c/o Denise Thomas, 45 Prynnwood Rd., Longmeadow, MA 01106.