Coaches, Athletes, Parents and Friends of Rhode Island Track & Field:
If you haven't already heard, one of our own has been diagnosed with cancer,
Former Barrington High all-stater and national champion Bobby Colantonio received the devastating news just a few days after beginning his first semester at the University of Alabama in late August. As you know, Bobby dominated the weight throw and hammer here in our state and brought that talent to the national- and world-class level. He was a three-time hammer state titlist and also captured the 25-pound weight at last year's indoor states. He also won individual titles in both those events at the New Balance Nationals in 2015 and twice qualified for the IAAF World Junior Championships in the hammer.
Bobby was set to begin his next endeavor at Alabama, where he received an athletic scholarship. Unfortunately, what was thought of as a chronic knee pain was later diagnosed as a form of cancer known as Ewing sarcoma, a type of tumor that forms in bone or soft tissue.
According to Barrington weight coach Bob Gourley, Bobby is doing well and remains positive for the difficult road ahead where he will undergo radiation and chemotherapy.
What Coach Gourley has asked me to pass along is a fundraising event on Oct. 25 to offset some of the medical bills that Bobby and his family will be facing. It's a golf tournament formed by his uncle, David Allyn, and appropriately named Hammer Out Cancer RI Charity Golf Tournament. This golf event, which will also feature a dinner, will take place at the Valley Country Club in Warwick, beginning at 11 a.m.
Click on the links below for more information, including cost for the tourney and sponsorship opportunities. All proceeds will go to the family.