Riverdale, N.Y. (October 4, 2007)- For the second consecutive year, the Manhattan College women's soccer team participated in the Tunnel To Towers Run, which follows the footsteps of an American Hero Firefighter, Stephen Siller, who, on September 11th 2001, ran through the Brooklyn/Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers where he laid down his life for others.
The Lady Jaspers' involvement was spearheaded by senior midfielder Courtney Hughes. “I first heard about this event through a friend here are at Manhattan College,” stated Hughes, a native of Edmonds, Washington. “People on the East Coast don't necessarily realize how much the lives of all Americans were touched by the tragedy of September 11. This event just felt like the right thing to do, no matter where you are from.”
“The whole event was very powerful, with thousands and thousands of people running” Hughes continued. “Before the run began, there were speeches from family members, firefighters from New York City and London, members of the military, and the NYPD. Some of the firefighters ran the race in full gear, which really inspired myself and the team. During the race, we all thought, ?It may be hot out, but if he can do it, I can't stop now.'”
Two years ago, just the members of the team participated, but this year head coach Sean Driscoll joined the team for the run. “I can't begin to tell you the rush of running through the Battery Tunnel with 343 firefighters, one for each of the FDNY members who perished on 9/11,” Driscoll stated. “They held flags and donned pictures of each of the deceased; but they were there cheering for us like it was the Super Bowl. Simply put, it was one of the best things I have ever done and I am exceptionally proud of the team for their selfless act, especially the 6:30am wakeup on Sunday morning to participate in this event. Most of the credit goes to Courtney, who organized the whole outing for us.”
The race course retraces the steps of Siller as he put on his gear and ran to the aid of those at the World Trade Center....here is a brief synopsis of the story that led to the evolution of this event....
Stephen Siller, beloved husband and father of five, was a firefighter from Squad 1, Park Slope Brooklyn. On 9/11, he was off-duty, and on his way to golf with his 3 older brothers.
When Stephen heard on his scanner that the World Trade Center had been hit, he turned his vehicle around and headed towards the site. When his truck was prohibited from entering the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, typical of him, he raced on foot towards the site with his gear strapped to his back.
He was last seen alive on West and Liberty Streets where he, more than likely, went looking for his Squad, all of whom perished. The Tunnel to Towers Run retraces Stephen's footsteps on that fateful day.
In running along his path, we honor the memory of all the Firefighters, Police, and EMS workers who performed their duty that day. In running this race, we are reclaiming still another part of the city for all our heroes and for all of those who died on 9/11.
They will never be forgotten!
For more information, go to: www.tunneltotowersrun.org.
