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Letter to Grammy
Oct. 20, 2002
Grammy,
It was so good to hear
from you. Today, the Lord really worked a miracle for me. I had just gotten
back to school because I went home for the weekend. I must admit, I did not
want to leave home and I was feeling depressed. When I went over to the practice
facility, I saw a letter sitting in my locker. After I had read your card,
I felt so fulfilled. I don’t think I ever felt so much relief in all
my life. I practiced great and I feel 100% better right now. I wasn’t
going to tell you this because I am such a “tough guy”, but I
couldn’t finish reading your letter because I felt like I was going
to cry…
I hung the card up in
my locker and already I’ve had a few of my teammates come over to me
and tell me it is a beautiful picture. I am going to go buy a frame this week
so I can put it in my room. I’ve got a Bible, but it is only the New
Testament. I would like one for Christmas.
You truly are a blessing
from God. Your reminders of what the Lord is doing for me are very helpful
too. Thank you so much for making my day, I do thank the Lord also. I can’t
wait to see you again.
Love,
Billy
Email to Dad 3/20/2003
Thanks for the article. I know where I stand in the eyes of the media and
the public, but I also know where I stand in my own mind. So far I feel like
an entire different player in spring ball. It is becoming a game again and
not Hell. I am working myself back into shape and I am more soar everyday
than I have ever been, but it will all pay off. Strength wise I am still building
my legs back up, but my upper body is stronger than it has ever been. I'm
not trying to earn anyone's respect but my own. Everyone else's respect I
am gonna have to take, so thanks for adding a few more chips to my shoulder.
I'll be sure to take care of them all the best way I know how to. Tell everyone
I said hey. Talk to ya later, I have practice.
-Billy
Christmas Card 2001
Merry Christmas Dad, Thanks for teaching me to be a man. Now we move on to
shock the world. Thanks for everything,
-Billy
7th annual Urbana
Football Banquet Feb. 2002
Thanks to God for my desire and opportunity. To Mom and Dad for the love,
leadership and care. To Michael and Nicholas; it’s all in the family.
To Natalie for the love and support, you’ve helped me grow. To my team,
who is my family, thanks for the memories. Good luck to you all in life. And
to the “Group”, we will live on.
My greatest memory was crying tears of joy as Urbana stared into the tear
filled eyes of our defeated opponent Seneca Valley. My future plans are to
break and set countless records as I prove the non-believers wrong again and
again at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond and live my life to it’s
fullest with the ones I love. Urbana is a Unit. These have been the greatest
times of my life. Despite my attitude, I love you and I appreciate every moment
I’ve spent as an Urbana Hawk.
1st Annual MD All-State
Banquet Feb. 10, 2001
It is truly an honor being selected to the Associated Press All-State Football
Team for the State of Maryland. I’ve been playing football sense I was
9 years old, as a kid I always played with and against kids older and bigger
than me. So I no longer fear getting pounded. When I was in the sixth grade,
I played on a Montgomery County team where I won MVP as QB and Middle linebacker.
After that taste of glory, I knew I’d never settle for less than the
best from myself. I entered Urbana high school as a tailback on the freshman
team. That year the varsity team won Urbana’s first State Championship.
I knew I wanted to be part of the varsity team because I wanted to be part
of the best. I set a goal as a freshman to work hard to get a starting position
on our varsity team as a sophomore. As it turns out Urbana had one of the
best tailbacks in the state, Alex Herbert, so I decided to try for receiver
and I’m so thankful Coach Carruthers was willing to give me a chance.
The next season, not only was I a varsity player, I was a starting varsity
player catching passes from Zach Mills, the greatest QB that has, thus far,
come out of Urbana. I was a part of taking our team to its second consecutive
State Championship. That year I earned Second Team All-State small school;
first team All-Conference, First-Team All Area and All-Gazette. As a junior,
playing with another great QB (and kicker) Josh Brown, I was a part of helping
my team to a third consecutive State Championship and earning All-State Consensus
Honors. With my new training program, this off-season feels like a football
season to me. I hope to help win a forth-consecutive State Championship in
my senior year and I definitely plan to play football in college, my prayer
is that it’s a Division 1 program.
Interview with Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette on punt returns. Fall 2002
“You have to be a little crazy to do it because you get banged up so
much, but I love that contact. In fact, I look for that contact. I love to
get hit, and I have no fear back there. That’s a good start. I know
I’m close to breaking one, and frankly I feel like I have what it takes
to be a great one.”
July 13, 2001 Interview
with easternrecruiting.com after scholarship offer from Pitt.
"You will get turned down more than accepted, so let it all add fuel
to your fire. Never get down and you will not be defeated. Fear no one and
always believe you are the best.”
July 18, 2001 interview
with MDvarsity.com after running 4.22 at Nike camp.
"I definitely surprised myself, no one expects to come out of nowhere
and be the fastest in the nation, but I was on a mission. With the adrenaline
rushing it just pumps you up. “I have the attitude that when the ball
is in the air, I have to get it". “I’m excited, I want to
get down to business now, we’re gonna be good again. With our coaching
and dedication, I have a lot of confidence in the team.”
February 26, 2001
rivals100.com
“I’d say I play a style of ball like Tim Dwight of the Atlanta
Falcons and Jermaine Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, Dwight is my favorite
player. They’ re both small guys who just know how to get the job done
on the field.”
May 1, 2001 wolfpacker.com
after nike camp.
“I felt my performance in the 40 reflects how badly I want to be the
best. My times were faster than I expected them to be, but I had some high
expectations set for myself and it feels good to reach them.”
May 23, 2001 easternrecruiting.com
“I know I’m going to have to go to camps and prove myself.
They can’t believe a guy my size can do the things I do. I feel
like I’m the toughest man on the field and I play with passion,
I may look small, but I play like a giant.”
“The Chanters Scream On” (Poetry.com wanted to print this
in “The Sound of Poetry” collection, Just 2 weeks before his
death)
Just the other day I took a walk
down the street and see Uncle Sam with 10 foot stilts attached to his
feet. Behind him are 100 other fools chantin something about how we need
Jesus out of our schools.
Then I looked up and I swear the Devil was lookin at me, whisperin, “Let’s
save Saddam, he hates he who is free.”
The Chanters scream on, “War is wrong!”. Well I think the
battlefield is where we all belong.
Innocent people die everyday. Maybe it’ll help if some schools decided
to pray. When I see these chanters it takes all I got to hold back.
How the hell did they feel when our country was under attack?
Poetry to Natalie
“Do You Remember
the Time”
Do you remember the time - When we fell in love - And we made that wonderful
climb - To the Heavens above - And brought it down here to earth - So
that we could give our life - That new Holy birth - That got rid of all
our strife - And delivered happiness and peace - So that our souls could
be released - Do you remember the time - Our hearts connected as a whole
- All belongings of me became yours - And we were both overcome - By that
indescribable feeling of words - That can only be called love - It was
a day that began - A life of together that won’t end - Do you remember
the time - When we fell in love
“Emptiness”
Any emptiness you see in my eyes - Exists only in pictures past - Because
I now have an Angel in life - And a love that forever lasts - Thanking the
Lord is now a habit - For my wishes have all come true - I asked god to give
me the light - And the Lord sent my heart to you - You are an Angel, and my
eyes are full - Full of devotion - I’m devoted to loving you
“First Kiss”
The day that remains in my heart forever - Exists because of one moment I’ll
always remember - It is the moment your soft lips first met mine - The feeling
I got was more than just fine - Before that kiss I thought we’d only
be friends - Friends were OK, but I longed for more in the end - You were
a hurt soul that only I could heal - My heart was locked up waiting for you
to steal - So I said goodnight, and hugged you like a pal - I had no idea
you wanted to be my gal - My shyness took over as I turned away - But the
look in your eyes welcomed me to stay - And then with no words, our lips came
together - That kiss sealed a moment that will last forever - Now as my best
friend, you are mine to hold - And our heart and soul are mine to console
- But there is no end to this lasting love - That moment over eternity rises
above - Natalie, you are my girl and my best friend - I’ll love you
forever, far past the end
“If Tomorrow Weren’t
to Come”
If tomorrow weren’t to come - Here’s what I would say - Natalie,
thank you - For giving me this day - This one day in life - Exists because
of you - I have been a man - Devoted to you
Your name is beautiful - Your soul is true - My existence is yours - My hero
and savior - You affect my every word - My every thought and behavior - You
have given to me Courage,
Strength, Honor, and Love - You are Heaven’s bird - You are my sweet
dove - Natalie, I love you - And in heaven we’ll meet again - To live
out eternity - From beginning to end
“Served and Through”
Some say the tough times bring us down - Many just look at the rough times
and frown
But I think about the paradise you’ve given me - And heaven is the only
word that can describe what I see - For I know our future is unending - All
the hurt I’ve felt is healed by your mending - It does not matter if
down times come this way - I’ll never feel pain, fear, or dismay - Because
with you, I can fight a war - Together we can erase from this world all the
soar - I need no more and I’ll expect no less - You’ve already
defined for me the meaning of best - My purpose on earth will be served and
through - As long as it’s spent devoted to you
"Where Ever I Go"
Wherever I go, you will be with me - Because you have my soul - And my soul
must come with me - Even if I can’t touch your hand - In my heart and
in my mind - Together we will stand - Each day we spend physically apart -
Will be all right - Because each day will restart
By saying a prayer - Thanking God for you - The one and the only - Who will
keep me true
So if you look to your side - And I am not there - Please do not weep - Do
not shed a tear
Because I will always be with you - For it is love that we share - Just remember
the sun will always rise - And one day soon God will grant us our prize -
Hand in hand we will be - together - It is a promise - A promise that will
last forever.
“Ongoing”
Every present ticking second has got to turn to past. To me, this cannot matter
less. As long as this love will last. Unknowingly, I wound up. Gave my heart
a cast. She came along and took it in. Oh so very fast. Into those eyes I
gazed. The sadness shows her heart’s been passed. Instantly, I realized.
She’s as fragile as precious glass. So I gave a promise. A commitment
that will last. Tomorrow forever is our future. Together we’ll smile
at our past.
“Remember Me”
Remember me, when them guys come pressin. Remember me, when they all try messin.
Remember me, when you think about the past. Remember me, you and I will last.
Remember me, when the stress weighs you down. Remember me, when you feel that
sad frown. Remember me, when you feel the soft wind blow. Remember me, every
time you take a stroll. Remember me, because I’m dreaming about you.
Remember me, because our love is so true. Remember me, as the man who loves
you.
“Chills”
The moon shines bright. As evening fades to night. Stars come out from hiding
and supply the dark with light. We lay under the moon, just you and me alone.
And watch the mist rise from the field, as the breeze plays us a tune. We’re
hanging by this moment and we’re both feeling so fine. Chills sensate
our minds, as your body touches mine. Love is how we connect, so slowly I
kiss your neck. The Goosebumps shoot down your legs, from just a little peck.
The pleasure we give each other, is so incredibly true and it is all due to
the fact, that I love you.
“Infinite Love”
She Glistens in brightness, brings brightness to dark. Nothing can compare,
to the love in her heart. I lay in amazement at night and I pray Natalie,
with me forever must stay. Just look at this world. Look at everything of
it. My lady alone, rises above all it. I strain to describe, the pleasure
she brings me. It’s hard to find words worthy of describing my baby,
but there are three in which I know are so true Natalie. I know you hear me.
I have infinite love for you.
“Mesmerized”
When I gaze at you, and you don’t know why. It’s because your
beauty has me mesmerized. I get short of breath, and dizzy in my head.
All from just three words you looked at me and said, your whisper, “I
LOVE YOU,” so I thank God. I tell you I need you, as I gratefully
nod. Sometimes I feel I could float away with you by my side. I have so
much to say, but there are no words, or language I’ve heard, that
can describe you; you are an angel, a heavenly bird. Thank you Natalie,
and thank you sweet Lord. I never knew this feeling existed before, so
please let me stare and know, I’ll forever be there.
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