Michael Runey III focus of tribute at Jan. 7 BE game

New tennis complex at school will be named in his honor

“If you build it, he will come” is the catch phrase of the 1989 movie “Field of Dreams.” The lead character hears a voice utter these words when walking through his cornfield. Later he sees a vision of a baseball field. He builds the field and eventually his father, a long dead professional baseball player, turns up and asks to play catch with his son.

A similar story is playing out at Bishop England High School. This story, however, involves soon-to-be-completed tennis courts and includes a son and his father, who doesn’t have long to live.

Michael Runey III, a 1964 graduate of Bishop England, a member of the school’s 1963 state championship basketball team and a longtime Bishop England benefactor, is the father. He has survived other types of cancer, but has been diagnosed with brain cancer and this is one he’s not going to be able to beat, even though he’s put up a valiant fight.

Michael Runey IV is the son. He’s always loved and respected his father, who always seemed to be in attendance during a Bishop England athletic event, especially when Michael IV played tennis for six years at the school, which, at the time, was located on Calhoun Street.

The son has accepted his father is dying, saying, “It’s the baddest and biggest form of brain cancer. We’ve been all over America searching and hoping for a cure. But it’s not going to happen.”

In the meantime, the duo is checking off items on the bucket list, whether it be something so simple as a family meal or fishing off the dock at the house.

But the No. 1 item on the list was checked off on Jan. 7 at the Father O’Brien Gymnasium, when the BE community came together at halftime during a basketball game to honor and remember Runey, an orthodontist who had deep pockets when it came time to financially supporting his school.

Because of his generosity, the new tennis complex, which is expected to be completed in May, will be named the Michael L. Runey III Tennis Center, home of the Monsignor John L. Manning Tennis Courts.

“I got to watch and cry with my dad in happiness,” Michael Runey IV said after the ceremony. “Priceless. Thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for taking time out of your very busy schedule on such a cold day to join us in such a special tribute to a man who never wants attention or recognition. To look around and see people from all walks of life come and show support for my dad means more than you know or any material things.”

The younger Runey said his father, who helped found the BBB Club, never expected anything in return, except for anonymity.

“Glad for once my dad could get acknowledged for trying to give to others,” he added. “If he had his way everything he does and has done would be anonymous. Bishop England High School means the world to our entire Runey family.

On the way home, Runey noted his son, Michael Runey V told his grandfather he noticed he was crying.

The eldest Runey replied, “My dream is that you and all kids get to pay tennis and have fun.”

Mission accomplished.

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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