True Story …. Korey and the Champ. (I promise this is not a long read ending up as a joke)My son Korey lived in an apartment across the lot from the MMA gym he trained at. He had gone there off and on for years and many times I would drop him off at one of the fighters homes to spar. It was a handful of times that I was able to take him I do not know how often he went on his own. He told me all about this young man and how he was getting his opportunity to get in a real ring. We got tickets to an Armory match, my son went alone to that as we had had an argument, (yes I totally regret that and I missed out on a fun time with my over some bullshit words). Afterwards, he told me his friend had won that match. I really wish I had been there. He told me all about this man as he was winning his way up the ladder and how amazing he was. “It is that guy you took me to his home mom, that is the guy I sparred with, he is now the state champ.” That was all I know about that young man. My son died just before Christmas and a friend of mine came with me to get the things out of his apartment to avoid me having to pay for January rent. On our way out I grabbed one of the presents under the tree intended for my son and I took it with me. When we got to the apartment the gym was closed, I was very early. It took quite some time getting everything out and when we were done there were a few cars now in front of the gym. I went in and saw three young men sitting on the mats just chatting. One came over to the door and asked me if I needed any help. “My son Korey Walmsley use to come here and he even sparred with the Champ”. The young man said “Oh yeah I know Korey, nice guy”. I thanked him and explained that my son had taken his life the night before as I pointed to his apartment across the parking lot. A kinder man he could not have been. He offered his sympathies and asked if I needed any help with anything. “Yes, I replied, I would like to get this to the Champ and let him know just how much my son admired him thru the years. He told me all about this man’s career, his wins, his losses and his victory to be the state Champ. He meant a lot to my son and I want him to know that.” I gave him the gift, it was a black Tap Out hat. He promised he would get it to him. I thanked him, hugged him and said good bye. As I headed out the door I stopped and said one more thing. “Ya know, I don’t even know what the Champ’s name is. Could you tell me what it is?” He said. “It’s me, I sparred with your son”. Still holding his composure again he asked, ” Is there anything I can do for you?” “Just wear this hat from time to time, I was going to give it to Korey for Christmas but I’d rather you have it, I know it would make my son happy.” The Champ promised he would and gave me a hug. I left in tears.To this day I still do not know nor will I look up this man’s name. I like the story as is. The End

Korey Francis Walmsley