The Lady Eagles held their annual “Give Back Game” vs. Moshannon Valley on Tuesday, April 24th.  While the team lost 16-6 the evening was a very memorable one for the team as they honored someone very special to them and the community.

Tyrone alum Bobby Gensimore, the father of Lady Eagles senior Grace Gensimore, died tragically as a result of a traffic accident in February. Gensimore was setting up flares along I-99 in Blair County while working for PennDOT when he was hit by a car that slid out of control on the highway.

Gensimore was a 27-year member of the Warriors Mark-Franklin Volunteer Fire Company and worked with PennDOT for 13 years.

To honor his memory, the Lady Eagles and members of the community installed a flagpole at the softball field in dedication to his life and to everything that he achieved.

Gensimore was very active in all functions of the fire company and the first responders and worked for PennDOT. He was a devoted husband, father, and son. Gensimore was very active in the community and always willing to help anyone in need.

“It was amazing how many people came to support our team that day. I can’t thank my teammates, their families, and the boosters enough for all of the fundraising and hard work that they put in, in order to put a flag pole up in remembrance of my dad,” said his daughter Grace.

Local photographer Terry McCaulley met Bobby while taking pictures at sports events and he really admired him. “He was a great father and role model, that will be missed by all,” said McCaulley.

To raise the money to install the flagpole, the softball team held an Easter flower sale, sold specially made “Bobby” shirts, and collected donations from businesses and individuals within the community.

Following the game, Paul Campbell, a member of the Tyrone VFW, conducted a flag raising ceremony for the dedication. Many members of the community, including Tyrone School District administrators and school board members, attended the game and the dedication ceremony.

Kristen Pearson, president of the softball booster club, helped come up with the idea of installing the flagpole.

“There has never been a flag there, so we thought this would be a great way to honor, not only Bobby but all those who dedicated their lives to helping us. We wanted to show our appreciation to them and their families” said Pearson.