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From the Bench: BHS Alum, WVU Linebacker Tonkery Glad to be Part of Challenger League's 'Perfect Day'

By Jeff Toquinto on April 22, 2018 from Sports Blog via Connect-Bridgeport.com

The spotlight is something Dylan Tonkery is used to. Of course, when you’re the starting linebacker for the West Virginia University football team and play regularly in front of tens of thousands of people, you get used to it and try to thrive in it.
 
Last Saturday, April 14, during the Mountaineers’ offseason, Tonkery again found himself in the spotlight. And as much as he was glad to be there, he also didn’t want to hog it all. In fact, he wanted to make sure it shined brightly on others.
 
Tonkery, a 2016 Bridgeport High School graduate, was back in town last weekend. It wasn’t for a family visit, but to repay an old favor, he said, to someone who helped him tremendously during his days as an Indian football player. As it turned out, he said, the old friend was actually doing him a favor.
 
Challenger League organizer Mike Martin, who also heads up Bridgeport Physical Therapy, had asked Tonkery to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for opening day of Challenger League this year. For those that don’t know, Challenger League is a branch of Little League for youth dealing with physical and mental challenges and it allows them to enjoy the Little League experience.
 
“When Mike got ahold of me it didn’t take any time for me to want to do it. Mike did so much for me in therapy, it seemed like I was there every week, and it was the least I could do,” said Tonkery. “I also remembered Challenger League. Even though I didn’t get the chance to help out when I was in Little League, it was always something everyone knew about so I was more than happy to come down.”
 
“I was surprised with just how big the league was. I really couldn’t believe how many people were taking part, how big the crowd was and just how amazing the whole thing is.  I was really happy Mike asked me to take part,” said Tonkery. “You could tell it was a special event on every level.”
 
And it was one that was made more special right away. Not only was Tonkery meeting children as young as the age of five, but the 20-year-old got to see some of his former classmates at Bridgeport High School, and others he knows, who are still part of the league.
 
“I got to see Josh Rhine and watch him sing,” said Tonkery of Bridgeport’s Rhine who has sung Take Me Out to the Ball Game for more than a decade at the event. “I also got to see Michael Nottingham and a few other friends.”
 
Martin said Nottingham is a Challenger League regular. He’s one of several youngsters participating that deals with Autism.
 
“Part of what made this important to agree to come down was that I was pretty sure I would see kids in my class that were going to participate. It really made me feel pretty good to spend time with Michael,” said Tonkery. “I met him in Kindergarten and I haven’t seen him since I graduated. On a perfect day seeing Michael and my other friends from high school added even a little bit more shine to the day.”
 
One thing not lost on Tonkery is the blessings he’s had bestowed on him physically. Although he’s never taken them for granted, he said watching those youngsters compete on Saturday made him not only appreciate what he’s been given and worked for, but appreciate how special and how hard the Challenger athletes work.
 
“You do realize things when you’re there, but it’s really all positive. I can’t tell you how good the entire experience made me feel to see those smiles and the love the kids had to just play a game,” said Tonkery. “Honestly, it’s hard to describe the feeling other than you feel good all over. I left there realizing I’m just a football player. Those kids were the real athletes. Those kids were the ones that deserved to be in the spotlight.”
 
The aforementioned spotlight. Tonkery said he knew his role last Saturday, but wanted to get out of the way.
 
“I was just helping out. I didn’t want to be the certain of attention, but just be there to have fun with the players,” said Tonkery. “It was their day.
 
Martin said Tonkery made the most of his time there. And Martin said he couldn’t be more pleased with how a young man he’s known for years gave of his time and worked with the players.
 
“He was just awesome and stayed a really long time,” said Martin. “He signed autographs, hung out with the kids and the best part was that you could tell he was enjoying himself. I’m not surprised because Dylan has always been a fine young man and that’s not changed. He’s always welcome to take part.”
 
That just may happen.
 
“I told Mike I’d do it again because since it’s a weekend I’m usually going to be available,” he said. “I didn’t go there in any way thinking it was going to be a miserable experience, but it’s kind of hard to know just how happy you’re going to be taking part in it. It’s something I hope to be part of again.”
 
Chances are good that he will. And if he happens to be in the spotlight a bit, I’m pretty sure they players and everyone else will give him a pass.
 
Well done Dylan.
 
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Dylan Tonkery talking with Challenger League legend Josh Rhine after throwing out the first pitch, while he stands with league organizer and friend Mike Martin during the pre-game ceremonies in the second photo. Third picture shows Tonkery signing autographs for all on hand. Bottom picture shows Tonkery in a some WVU football action that he'll get back into full swing in August.


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