Served and delivered
Published 9:28 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The Nansemond River High School girls’ tennis team celebrates after having won the Ironclad Conference team tournament championship on Friday, a win they dedicated to their coach’s son, Finnegan, born on the same day. From left: Cydney Folsom, MacKenzie Roach (front), Hannah Ramey, Ariana Samuel, Erin Bonney, Zion McCoy, Ciera Miller, Laura Ortiz, Jynasia Sadler, Felicia Elliot and Myka Brown. (Photo submitted by Shamus Riley)
Friday will forever be a special day to remember for Nansemond River High School girls’ tennis coach James “Shamus” Riley. It was a day made of “win,” on and off the court.
At 2:15 a.m. that morning, his wife went into labor, about to give birth to their first child.
Nansemond River High School girls’ tennis coach Shamus Riley holds his newborn son, Finnegan, born on Friday afternoon. (Photo submitted by Shamus Riley)
Their son was not due until May 31, but Riley was prepared for him to come on Friday, the day his Lady Warriors were vying for their second consecutive Ironclad Conference team tournament championship.
“I met with my coaches the day before,” he said, telling them, “Here’s everything in case something happens, and I can’t be there tomorrow.”
While he couldn’t be there, he communicated an important message to his players via text message:
“Girls today history will be made! My wife will be having our first baby, yes baby Finn is on the way.
-We will win our second tennis championship in school history.
-We will have the most successful tennis record in school history.
-As a head coach this will be my 40th win!”
He concluded the message by writing that “all I ask of all of you is to play your best, play your game and win with respect!”
Riley said his players were group messaging him back with the battle cry that they we would “win it for Finn!”
And they did, achieving all of the coach’s state milestones as they defeated visiting Lakeland High School 5-0.
“The girls did what they’re supposed to do, what they’ve been doing all season,” Riley said.
The championship was set to begin at 2:30 p.m., and a minute before that time, Megan Riley gave birth to Finnegan at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
“It was pretty exciting,” Shamus Riley said. “There’s no words to describe holding your first child for the first time.”
While he enjoyed the euphoria of that experience, he was also receiving updates on his team.
“My assistant coaches were texting me the results as they were coming in,” he said.
Following are the results:
- Bonney (NR) def. Nelson (L) 6-1, 6-0
- McCoy (NR) def. Kerlee (L) 6-1, 6-0
- Ortiz (NR) def. Brinson (L) 6-2, 6-3
- Sadler (NR) def. Davis (L) 6-4, 6-2
- Roach (NR) def. E. Williams (L) 6-0, 6-2
The Lady Warriors’ team record following the championship win was 13-4, and it was 7-0 in the conference, including the tournament.
The conference singles and doubles tournament began on Monday morning at Huntington Park in Newport News, and Riley said he expected to be there.
“My wife gave me permission to go coach for a couple hours,” he said.
