WHEELING - The last time Jim Thompson was in town, he was in the hospital fighting for his life after a serious accident in last year's Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta.
He won that battle, in large part due to the quick actions of Moundsville residents Michael and Wendy Younger, members of the regatta's safety team.
This year's event got off to an emotional start Friday, when regatta organizers Dan and Debbie Joseph presented Thompson, a Philadelphia-area man, with a special courage award during the regatta's annual kickoff banquet at WesBanco Arena. He also was reunited with the couple who saved his life.
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Photo by Ian Hicks
George English, left, and Mike Lipschutz receive the Henry Lauterbach Memorial Excellence in Powerboat Racing Award for 2010 during the Wheeling Vintage Raceboat Regatta’s annual banquet Friday at WesBanco Arena.
Thompson sustained a severe laceration on his back and endured six surgeries in a span of seven months. At his family's urging, he has retired from driving boats and won't be running in his craft, "Black Magic," this year. However, he returned to the Friendly City to express his gratitude and enjoy a new role as a spectator.
"I'm very thankful for all the prayers and everything else," Thompson said, "because I don't think I'd be here without it."
Debbie Joseph said "split-second decisions" by the Youngers very well could have made the difference between life and death for Thompson. Michael Younger likley has made many such decisions, as he is a former sheriff's deputy and currently the Cameron chief of police.
Also in attendance Friday was Jim Gardill, chairman of the board for WesBanco Inc. The bank, a sponsor of the regatta since its inception in 2006, has expanded its role and is now the event's naming sponsor.
Getting behind the regatta was an easy decision for WesBanco, said Gardill, for several reasons. Not only does it support a worthy cause - all proceeds benefit the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center - but it draws out-of-towners to Wheeling and makes use of the city's status as a river community.
"As it's reaching out to become a more regional event, it's great to be a part of that growth," said Gardill, praising the Josephs and the regatta committee for their dedication. "They put their heart and soul into it."
During the banquet, several vintage raceboat enthusiasts were honored for their contributions to the sport.
Ron Jones Sr. was honored with the American Powerboat Association Boat Builder of the Year award, though due to health problems he was unable to accept his award in person.
Sharing the 2010 Henry Lauterbach Memorial Excellence in Powerboat Racing Award were Mike Lipschutz and George English.