EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Knox Pages correspondent Dan Werner.
HOWARD — As the high School football season enters its third week, the only color that matters in Knox and surrounding counties is the purple of the East Knox Bulldogs.
Aidan Riggle, senior captain of the gridiron team, has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in glandular epithelial cells, which are cells that line the body’s internal organs and produce mucus.
Riggle Fundraiser
A fundraiser for Aidan Riggle will take place on Sunday, Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Apple Valley Clubhouse.
The fundraiser will allow all monies raised to go to the Riggle family.
Young’s Meats of Danville furnished all the meat for the cookout and Roundhill Dairy furnished the ice cream.
The buns and soft drinks were provided by members of the Apple Valley board.
The 18-year-old is being treated at Columbus Children’s Hospital and The James at the Ohio State University, as he battles the cancer that has sidelined him, for now.
“God has a plan for Aidan and we know that he is going to beat this,” Aidan’s father Jim said. “Aidan is a special kid. Last fall he was selected by his teammates to be a captain for this season.
“At the beginning of this year, during conditioning, he showed up for all of the practices, even though he was in pain and could not do all of the lifting. At this point, he did not know he had cancer. He just knew that he was in pain.”
The Riggle family is overwhelmed by the support the community has shown for Aidan since the diagnosis.
“My wife, Aidan, and I cannot wrap our heads around what this special community is doing for Aidan, there just are no words to describe what we are feeling,” Jim said.
From his hospital bed, Aidan delivered a message:
“I just want to say how much I appreciate the support from the community and I am so thankful for everything and everyone,” Aidan said. “I feel so loved and so blessed by so many.”
While not exactly the same rivalry as The Ohio State and Michigan battles, clashes between East Knox and Danville are nearly legendary.
At Friday night’s Utica at Danville game, it was obvious that regardless of the color of the jersey, there was unity.
Shirts reading, “TOGETHER WE FIGHT, RIVALRY FOR RIGGLE were easily seen.
“This is a close-knit community, we always come together when needed,” Josh Banbury explained while sporting one of the shirts. “We had 220 of these shirts made by M&B Designs here in Danville.”
Mount Vernon football coach Mark Weber, who led his team to a win at Newark on Friday night, said he spoke with his team about Riggle.
“I told them we get to play a game, don’t ever take that for granted,” Weber said. “I love football, it is a part of my life, it is a part of my career, but Riggle is in a fight for his life, he is the one showing real courage.”
Danville coach Matt Blum said he also emphasized the importance of priorities in life.
“Things in your life can be taken away in a heartbeat, in a moment’s notice,” Blum said. “The support of our entire team is behind Aidan and I know he is a tough kid and can beat this.”
During that Danville game, the public address announcer let the capacity crowd in Tough Street Stadium know that there were opportunities to contribute to the Riggle family and then concluded with: “One town, one community united for the young man, Aidan Riggle!”
While much of Aidan’s influence has come on the football field, the young man continues to inspire beyond the gridiron.
For two years, Riggle has been a lifeguard at Apple Valley. A food truck fundraiser is taking place through Sunday at the Apple Valley Clubhouse.
Jeff Harmer, general manager at Apple Valley, echoed what many have said about Riggle’s influence.
“I am amazed how the entire county is getting behind a young man who is fighting a tough battle, and I think that says a lot about Knox County,” Harmer said. “In Knox County, we believe in doing for people, rather than just saying we are going to help.”
Amanda Smith, Aquatics Director at Apple Valley, and Aidan’s supervisor also thinks highly of him.
“He is just a great kid, he is always where he is supposed to be. We never had to worry about him talking to his friends instead of doing his job,” Smith said with a smile. “He has always been very dedicated to making sure the kids are safe.”
While the Riggle family continues to support Aidan as he battles an opponent tougher than any he ever experienced on the football field, they can take some solace in knowing there is an entire community that extends beyond geographical boundaries cheering for him.