Teammates, Friends, Coaches and Family Honor and Remember “True Optimist”

By Jason Saine

LINCOLNTON – It is the kind of story you watch on television or read in a book and impacts your life forever. Such is the life and death of Will McCleod, who passed away in October after suffering a head injury playing football for North Lincoln at an away game at West Lincoln.

The tragedy left the community and for that matter, the entire county mourning the loss of such a bright young person.

Internet discussion boards still echo the loss of McCleod. Friends and classmates have posted their feelings and sense of loss for the world to read. Banners were posted at North Lincoln games remembering number “21”.

As hearts begin to heal, the loss is still carried by all that McCleod touched with his infectious smile and his eternal optimism. As many will tell you, McCleod, who played sports with friends with Lincolnton Optimist, was the “True Optimist”.

Two weeks ago, at Lincolnton Middle School during a basketball game, Will McCleod once again touched the lives of so many people in Lincoln County including this reporter.

Following a tip from one of our readers, I was able to attend a game to see how McCleod’s teammates and coaches were honoring his memory. As luck, or maybe more likely fate would have it, the game was the first basketball game attended by Will’s parents, Joe and Melanie McCleod, since his passing.

McCleod’s teammates and coaches on Lincolnton Optimist teams wear the number “21” on the left chest of their game jerseys. The number serves as a reminder of the young spirit that so quickly left in October that inspired all to be optimists in sports and in life. One of the teams even designates themselves as “Will’s Team”.

Through the help of several parents, the Tribune was able to interview a number of young people and adults who were touched by Will.

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In their own words and handwriting, they describe what a wonderful young man he was and how his faith certainly inspired others.

Signing their letters of remembrance with: I “Will” Remember, it is not hard to understand the heart felt thanks so many have for having the opportunity to know Will McCleod.

According to Will’s father Joe, the public outpouring has said a lot about Will as a person. “He was the consummate team player. He was the same off the court as he was on.”

The McCleod’s are members of Salem Baptist Church on Salem Church Road in Lincolnton where many of the youth who played with Will are also members of the church’s youth group.

Chad Pridmore said that the youth group has doubled since the tragedy and that Will was responsible for bringing so many closer to God.

Attending the game was hard for Joe McCleod but he and his wife felt that they needed to be there. “It’s good and bad. I think what play he might have made if he was still here.”

His mother, Melanie, said that they could not have made it through it all if had not had been for Will’s spirit and the support of the community. “I just want to say a big thank you to all of our family and friends. We could not have done this without their support.”

Will’s spirit permeated the lobby of the gym at Lincolnton Middle that night. Bethany Avery, who is a youth leader at Salem Baptist said: “It is hard to put into words; just knowing him made you a better person.”

Dakota Fish, who attended basketball camp with McCleod and played with him over the past two years, said that he will never be forgotten. “All the times we were together I will cherish,” he wrote.

As tragedies happen in life as they inevitably do, people many times wish to just put it behind them and forget. The people that McCleod touched can not and do not want to forget what an inspiration he was.

Will’s former coach, Dennis Poston, said that he “had a smile the whole time he was around. It is so hard to say goodbye to someone as happy as Will was. His smile and positive attitude will always be a part of the Optimist Basketball team.”

Will’s uncle, Gerald Dellinger, said that his greatest legacy was playing ball and competing at everything possible. “He just loved to play and have a good time. I think about him and I hear his infectious laugh and his whole body would shake and you would laugh just because he was laughing. What a great kid.”

“William’s life and death has affected a lot of people. It made me realize how blessed I was to have seen him and been in his presence. I thank God everyday for my own children and maybe that is what we all should do. Take stock in what we have and realize what we don’t have, nor are we promised tomorrow. Just today,” said Dellinger.

His aunt, Amy Dellinger, said that he loved his family, friends and his church. “Most importantly, he loved God! Will had a big heart!”

Chad Pridmore, who also coached Will, said that he was a great friend both to his son. “I know we play games every Saturday but Will is on the best championship team that you could ever play for, the team of Heaven.”

JC Pridmore added: “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about him. Will played on my team last year and we practiced on Fridays. Will usually spent the night after practice and we would stay up all night playing video games. I always had fun when I was around him.”

In tribute, Ryon Duncan wrote: “Will, you were a great Christian and a fun friend. These last couple of months have been hard without you, but we all know that you are in a much better place.”

From teammates to coaches, the lobby continued to fill with those who wanted to share how the young man touched their lives. Mark Hall, who was one of Will’s coaches, said, “that boy sure was an optimist.”

Alex Bass, who was Will’s first basketball coach, said: “I believe he was a gift from God. He understood life on the court and off and at a very young age.”

Will’s dad said that Will always had good coaches and appreciated their impact on their lives. “I just can not say enough about how thankful we are for everyone. Jim Boyles, Dennis Poston, Alex Bass, Mark Hall and Chad Pridemore and all involved with Lincolnton Optimists and sports in Lincoln County have been such a blessing.”

As the swarm of people continued to share their stories, several mentioned how President of the Lincolnton Optimist Club, Chris Brogden, should be mentioned for his leadership and his encouragement of all those involved. Another parent mentioned that Mike Hopkins printed all the shirts. “It says a lot about the character of these men,” the unidentified parent said.

Truly, Will McCleod continues to inspire and promote the spirit of his God in each and every heart that he touched. We all WILL remember.

Special thanks to Cynthia Hall, Tina Sours and Teresa Seagle for their assistance in this story.

More pictures of Will’s Team and the many who contributed to this article are available in our “Local Photos” section on our website located at www.lincolntribune.com.