By Anna Rochelle Larry J. Catron Memorial Field was dedicated on Friday afternoon in Worthington. WRV/ Worthington School Principal Kevin Keller served as master of ceremonies. The sign unveiled by Janet Lawrence and Mark Downey, shown walking to the left while current students look on.

With those words, White River Valley School Superintendent Layton Wall began his keynote address at the dedication of the Larry J. Catron Memorial Field at WRV/ Worthington Elementary School on Friday afternoon.

Wall explained how Catron, a former principal who died earlier this year, came to the Worthington school in July of 1976. In less than a year, on February 19, 1977, Catron was stricken with transverse myelitis, a rare virus that attacks the spine.The disease left Catron paralyzed and he spent 30 years in a wheelchair before he passed away last January.

Wall said he had been inspired by Catron. During the first year of his paralysis, Wall said Catron was afraid at times, angry at other times, and he faced frustration. But Catron got back to work and served as principal at the school for 23 years before he retired in 1999.

"When I consider all of the things he had to face, I consider him a hero," said Wall.

The reason why the football field behind the school was dedicated to Catron became clear when Tyler Wall, a former student, said, "I have a lot of great memories on this field."

The field was a place where Catron spent many hours working with children. Long before the WRV Community Youth Football League was established, Catron had generated interest in football by starting flag football games on the empty field.

Tyler Wall, who served as Catron's assistant for these games, spoke as a representative of all the students whose lives were touched by Catron, many on that field. He told current students at the school about the no-tackle game and how they pulled red and yellow flags off their belts. The games were played during the recess time after lunch.

"It was really a good time," said Wall, "and I was one who benefitted from the love and nurturing he gave."

Kevin Keller, WRV/Worthington Elementary principal and master of ceremonies, said Catron loved kids.

"Kids were his number one priority," said Keller, "and football was number two."

The ceremony was attended by former and current administrators, teachers and staff, current students at the school, and a number of Worthington townspeople, many of whom were wiping away a tear after WRV senior Liza Kelly sang "Hero."

Letters praising Catron were read from former school employee Mildred Fiscus and from former Indiana Speaker of the House of Representatives John Gregg -- who called Catron a gem.

"He was a man of incomparable achievements," wrote Gregg.

Janet Lawrence, who was Mr. Catron's nurse, companion and significant other for 18 years, was recognized for the roll she played in enabling and helping Catron to accomplish his goals.

Steve Campbell, former WRV superintendent, was recognized for the unwavering support he gave to Catron throughout his career, but especially during the first year of the disability.

Talking about Catron's love of football, Layton Wall said he found it strange that Catron had passed away the night the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl. Catron was in the hospital, but watched the whole game.

Wall said Catron had been alert and excited, but as soon as the game ended, he turned to Janet and said he didn't feel well. And then he was gone.

A couple of days after Catron's passing, Wall got a phone call from Mark Downey, a sports editor for the former Bloomfield Evening World and Linton Daily Citizen. Downey suggested the field should be named in honor of Catron. The suggestion was passed upward to the school board who agreed.

Downey was chosen to unveil the sign along with Janet Lawrence.

After the ceremony, Downey said he had known Catron well and he felt very proud to see the field dedicated in his honor.

"I know how much of an impact he had on so many students throughout the years," said Downey. "It's very nice that he can be remembered for his accomplishments."