In what has become a beloved Tallulah Falls School tradition, the 5th annual Heroes Invitational on Sept. 24, honored two individuals dedicated to a lifetime of public service.
“TFS cross country team captain senior Michael Weidner of Clarkesville helped to create an an incredible encounter for the two honorees – former New York City firefighter Sean Hayes and Tallulah Falls Police Chief Bill Goatcher and for the five visiting school teams – Mountain View, Shiloh, Habersham, Morgan County and Fannin County,” said Athletic Director Scott Neal.
Just prior to the first race, Hayes and Goatcher were presented with a U.S. flag, a single red rose and a TFS T-shirt.
“I think the meet went very well,” Weidner said. “Every aspect of it was not perfect, but we honored two brave heroes. It was a very humbling experience, and I am honored to have been a part of it.”
Weidner shared background on both individuals during the short program.
Sean Hayes was a firefighter for 16 years and is the father of TFS students Sean and Shaye Hayes. He began his career in 1994 with the New York City Fire Department. Hayes loved the brotherhood bond – the do anything for each other aspect of the job. Hayes would regularly go in early to work and on Sept. 11, 2001 was present for the collapse of the second tower. For the few months following 9/11, he was busy with search and rescue and search and recovery missions. When asked about the firsthand experience of 9/11, Hayes said, “It is hard to put it into words, but out of so much evil came so much good.”
Tallulah Falls Police Chief Bill Goatcher, a police officer for 42 years, said he enjoys the diversity and challenge of law enforcement work. He began his law enforcement career at the Clearwater, Florida Police Department, where he held many positions, including patrolman, juvenile crimes detective, SVU detective, tactical team sergeant, undercover vice and narcotics sergeant, lieutenant of special investigations and commander of investigations. In 1997, Goatcher retired and moved to Tallulah Falls, where he currently serves his community as Police Chief, friend, and TFS supporter.
According to Neal, each of four home high school-themed meets are led and organized by a team leader. “That leader communicates with the visiting coaches and teams, plans the ceremony and awards, announces, and basically coordinates the event,” Neal said. “It is a GREAT opportunity to create a Season of Significance, to structure for a truly memorable experience different than most meets, to showcase the culture of our cross country program, and to be a light in the mountains,” Neal said.
Meet results
TFS varsity boys placed second behind Mountain View and one point ahead of Shiloh. Sophomore Aaron Hughes of Demorest placed sixth and moved up to No. 12 on the TFS Farm Course Legacy List. Freshman Chris Geiger of Sautee-Nacoochee was .03 and one place behind. Sophomore Caleb Griffis of Martin, freshman Caden Griffis of Martin, freshman John Nichols of Clarkesville and sophomore Xing Fan all moved up on the Legacy List.
Junior Perry Gresham of Clarkesville placed sixth in the varsity race. Freshman Sophie Alexander of Sautee Nacoochee placed third in the JV race to move into the Legacy List. All of the JV girls improved on their farm course personal bests, Neal said.
