Old news but I missed posting this:
February 16, 2009
The world and especially Hokie Nation lost a courageous, talented, and warm-hearted young man yesterday. Allen Calloway, who played basketball for the Hokies from 2002-2005, died in High Point, N.C., after a nearly four-year battle with cancer. Calloway played in 83 games for the Hokies and was one of the most popular players on the team. Always wearing that welcoming, warm smile, AC was always good for a laugh and for keeping things in perspective. Everyone always wanted to sit near him on the team plane. A fun-loving kid.??
When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, Calloway kept that smile and said he’d be fine, even when he knew the inevitable. When asked about his condition, he always answered “I’m doing great!” even when the treatments left him weak and nauseous. He didn’t want anyone to know he was suffering. He wanted to graduate from Tech, which he did, and to stay in touch with his ex-teammates, most notably Shawn Harris, who had endured his own share of family heartbreak here at Tech.??
Calloway was loved as a Hokie. When Tech lost a game at Ohio State a few years back, Calloway wasn’t feeling well in the locker room following the game. The concern from his teammates was remarkable and they helped him up the steps onto the team charter. It was one of those out-of-the-spotlight, behind-the-scene moments where you see what a ‘team’ really can be. The kids on that plane knew what was happening as we flew home, but they encouraged and joked with Calloway on the way to the Tech airport. Talked about his game and how they were ready for his return to the court. He never played in another game, but he did graduate from Virginia Tech, which was his primary goal.
??In the end, the biggest and most caring of hearts finally gave out, but we’ll remember AC for the brave, courageous, and special person he was for our Virginia Tech family.??
Two years ago this week, we ran the following story on Allen: |
