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By: Chris Evans
In a roller coaster of a week for Phil and Tonya Nichols, the proud parents found themselves on top of the ride with two donations in memory of their son Tyler Nichols.
The Guthrie High School softball and tennis programs both received a $500 donation from the Tyler Nichols Heart of a Champion Memorial Foundation. The foundation has made other donations with scholarships and clothing to Logan County kids.
"The first day of school was significant and a challenging day for Tonya and me," Phil Nichols said in the morning of the donations. "But it is nice to give."
Ty Nichols passed away this summer, June 21st, from an enlarged heart that was not known at the time. Ty was a member of the GHS football team, choir, and took part in the drama department.
Ty has been remembered in ways such as #72's being worn by GHS athletes by helmets, jersey's, and shoes. Now with the donations and memories, it is Tyler Nichols giving back.
Phil Nichols said the gestures are being noticed and are much needed.
"Kids lift me and my family up. God is living through them and us," Phil said.
The GHS Softball program will use the donation for an ice machine that has been needed and first year head coach and GHS drama teacher Shelley Berryman was appreciative of the foundation coming to the front and helping out.
"We would like to thank Phil and Tonya for this gift of love. The girls put #72 on their game day shirts, which represents Ty's football number," Berryman said. "We all miss him so much."
Guthrie Tennis coach Mary Hudson said the donation that her program received will go toward a much needed camera.
"I shared with Phil yesterday about my new gadget that a former player of my mine now, the head coach at Texas Tech, has a patent pending. You hang it on the fence to video tennis. It is difficult to video tennis and this gadget allows you to get the camera up high enough to view the whole court at a great angle," Hudson said.
"Phil asked me if I had a camera and I said no. The next thing I know he walked in with a $500 check. Now I will be able to tell the kids what they are doing wrong and back it up with living proof," Hudson concluded.
Phil Nichols said anyone who has a need, or concern that he "needs know about it" and it's not just about athletics.
"Tyler's foundation is not just about athletics. It is about Logan County needs. We have helped Logan County children with their school clothing and shoes along with the band and choir departments," Phil Nichols said.
If you have a concern, or question you can give Phil Nichols a call at (405) 488-5537. To make any donation to the Tyler Nichols Heart of a Champion Memorial Foundation you can do so by stopping by any BancFirst bank.
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