5th Larry Williams Showcase Perpetuates Memory While Providing Opportunities
Ron Bailey, Publisher
May 25, 2007 – E.G.O.S., Inc (Education, Goals, Opportunities, in Sports), under the direction of Walter Ray has found college homes for hundreds of overlooked student athletes over the last 13 years. This assistance includes aiding those who had no scholarship offers after high school, student-athletes that did not meet NCAA academic criteria and as such were forced along junior college or prep school paths, and young men who found a need to transfer from an initial school.
A brief examination of its alumni listing attests to the program’s effectiveness. The roster includes Tony Skinn (George Mason, French pro club Claremont-Ferand), Jerome Dyson (UConn), Emmanuel Jones (Marshall), Mookie Pierre (Marshall), Steve Harley (Nebraska), Marvin Morris (Montana State), Donte Baldeh (IUP), Derrick Davis (SC State), and Ron Timmons (Morgan State) amongst a slew of others who went on to receive college scholarships.
Of major importance to the E.G.O.S. success story is the annual Larry Williams Showcase, the latest iteration being held last Sunday: The events is a contest where young men, currently unsigned to any NCAA (four and two year) or NAIA team compete in hoops, with the hope of generating either conventional university or junior college interest.
The Showcase, drew not only contestants but alumni, and is named after the E.G.O.S. alum tragically killed 8 years ago. In the process of generating scholarship interest for young guys, the event maintains Williams’ name by continuing the young man’s many contributions made while here on earth.
Ms. Kathy Lewis, Williams’ mother and an integral part of the E.G.O.S. team, relishes the game’s existence. “It makes my heart smile” said Lewis, in between helping manage various aspects of the event. “It represents what my son did before his life was cut short”.
“I think he’s amazing” said Lewis of Walter Ray first row, 3rd from right). I count him all the time as one of my blessings. I’m very proud to have my son’s name associated with this organization”.
In addition to helping produce the Larry Williams game itself, Lewis acts as a supporter of and rock for current E.G.O.S., Inc. young men to lean on. “I try to follow them…I follow them in the winter and go to signings” she shared. In fact, many call her to share their decisions before the public at large is alerted.
Ray is happy to not only help keep Williams’ memory alive, but also assist current student-athletes. “It’s great to hear kids say ‘I’m playing in the Larry Williams game’” noted Ray. “All of these kids are symbolic of Larry; they need extra exposure, and have been ignored by the system. Just like Larry”.
“It’s rewarding because this not only represents Larry” continued Ray of the annual event, “but also represents kids who grew up in my generation, like Jo-Jo Hunter, Tyree Hill, and later Eugene Dyson, who didn’t get enough out of this game compared to how much they gave it physically. They have nothing but shallow memories”.