A former high school track coach – including a four-year stint at Bridgeport High School – 73-year-old Jerry Burgess has, until recently, run competitively.

 

His body is no longer cut out for running, he said, but he certainly still has the drive to lead an active lifestyle.

 

His newest interest being biking, Burgess has committed to a challenge.

 

Beginning in September, he will participate in the Great Cycle Challenge, riding 200 miles to fight children’s cancer.

 

“I thought I would sign up this year because I ride a lot and why not try to raise money for a worthwhile cause,” he said. “I’m hoping other cyclists will see this and join in. We could start a local initiative.”

 

Cancer has affected the lives of most everyone Burgess knows and loves.

 

“I have lost a parent and many close friends to cancer,” he said.

 

Burgess is riding in memory of Tony Fragale. 

 

"Tony and I coached football together from 1969-72 at St. Francis High School in Morgantown. He went on to become a very successful coach at St. Francis," Burgess said. "We remained friends over the years and after retirement, we - along with others - would meet for weekly lunches in Morgantown. When he announced that he had Stage 4 cancer, we were all surprised and brokenhearted. Tony, as do so many, was determined to beat cancer. His battle lasted almost four years." 

 

The Great Cycle Challenge involves cumulative miles.

 

“I won’t be riding all 200 miles in one ride,” he said. “…However, I am planning some 100-mile-plus rides later in the year.”

 

Burgess, who assisted Head BHS Track Coach John Griffith from 2010 to 2014, has held coaching positions in various sports at West Virginia high schools, including South Harrison.

 

Though he was active most of his life, he struggled for years with health issues, limiting his abilities.

 

Just after his 70^th birthday, he recommitted to running and participated in several 5K and 10K events. Since then, he encountered back issues and subsequent surgery. Running might be out of the question, but biking is a good alternative, he said.

 

“Cycling in West Virginia can be challenging, but what a great workout when you’re in a group tackling some of the big hills,” he said.

 

Over 15,700 U.S. children are diagnosed with cancer each year claims more young lives than any other disease.

 

Donations raised through Burgess’s ride will benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and used toward continued work in developing a cure and lifesaving treatments.

 

Burgess has set a goal of $500. He will be happy if that goal is surpassed. Make a donation by visiting his page at The Great Cycle Challenge HERE. Sign up to ride in the challenge HERE and please comment on this story to be part of Jerry's movement. 

 

Read a 2017 story about Burgess HERE.