Each year we recognize those who have left us physically on earth at Relay for Life.

Chapman takes Relay for Life very seriously considering several teachers have battled cancer in the past and one of our own students is currently battling cancer.

Social studies teacher and soccer coach Will Maley walks from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in honor of those who battle or have battled cancer.

This year will be his last year, though, and he will pass the torch to fellow social studies teacher Grey Ramsey.

Maley’s walking started seven years ago at his first Relay for Life that he ever went to, but he didn’t make it 12 hours that year.

“I didn’t walk 12 hours, and I was kind of mad,” Maley said. “These people still have cancer the remaining seven hours that I didn’t walk.”

Maley realized then that walking those extra hours could make a difference.

“That’s when I decided I would do what I knew would be a positive impact, and I walked,” Maley said.

Maley walks on the track outside, the track inside and around the school in his running shoes. He brings extra shoes and extra clothing to protect his body.

“I bring three pairs of shoes and six pairs of socks,” he said. “I wear long sleeves but no cotton because cotton holds sweat, which means more pounds. I wear long sleeves to keep my skin from burning, and I wear a bucket hat to cover my face, head, and neck. Sunscreen is essential.”

But no matter how much he prepares, nothing can prepare him for the aftermath the toll of walking brings his body.

‘It’s this toll that has led him to decide it’s time to move on.

“My body can’t do this anymore,” he said. “It kinda ruins me for a few days. I start crying from exhaustion, my body hurts and the tears start flowing. I’m not mad or sad or really anything; my eyes just start crying. Then I’ll start to shake because I’m cold or at least I feel cold.”

Maley promised his wife and Principal Ty Dawkins that the walking would continue, so he’s very grateful that Ramsey will be taking it from here on out.

Ramsey has been inspired by watching Maley walk and is honored to be taking on the role that means a lot to Chapman’s faculty, staff and students.

“During my time as a teacher at Chapman, witnessing Coach Maley walk for 12 hours annually during Relay for Life has been so inspirational,” Ramsey said. “Maley makes an effort every year for our students to become involved by providing two laps around the track or a dollar a day.”

Ramsey can’t wait to continue the tradition.

“I am honored to have this responsibility for years to come,” he said. “My goal is to not only continue this tradition but to also grow it to new heights, and I hope we as a school can help inspire those to give to cancer research.”

Ramsey is appreciative of the health and great shape he is in but that doesn’t mean pain won’t come that night after his walk.

“I am blessed to be in pretty decent shape at this point in my life,” he said. “Maley has helped me and told me the necessities I need on this walk. I know that come seven Friday night I will be in a lot of pain, but I am positive the benefits of this walk will outweigh my pain.”

Despite this, Ramsey said that he plans to continue after this year:

“I am looking forward to making a difference every year.”