Dr. Bill Layman, Local Connection to Physically Challenged Athlete Sports Person
(l-r) Dr. Bill Layman, Ayers Layman, Scott Rigsby, Julia Layman and Cameron Tanko Dr. Bill's connection to triathlon and Scott Rigsby start at the same person, Mike Lenhart, as luck would have it. Mike Lenhart was first introduced to Dr. Bill just before a 10 mile run on his second day at Fort Bragg as a new member of the 82d Airborne Division in 1996. CPT Lenhart at the time was 2LT Layman's company commander. Mike had just finished a tour as a general's aide and brought a fresh feel to the Army way of life 2LT Bill knew. On one of the many physical training days an airborne company has, CPT Lenhart decided to mix things up a bit. The Report to PT at 0530 in the morning changed Dr. Bill's life. Mike had the great idea of running miles in teams of four to the rucks sacks, formulate a poncho raft with a partner and swim the rucks across the lake and then suit up in BDUs with boots and road march back to the unit carrying the ruck sacks. Though rough around the edges, that was Dr. Bill's first triathlon. Dr. Bill completed his obligation and is now an orthodontist. Fast forward to 2007 and Dr. Bill is on a Delta flight reading an article on triathlons in Sky magazine. The article focused on challenged athletes and specifically a double amputee, Scott Rigsby, who participated in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. The article mentioned Scott Rigsby's, training partner whose name looked familiar. The training partner: Mike Lenhart. When the plane landed Dr. Bill left a message for Mike Lenhart. Fast forward to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Dr. Bill and his daughter are at the welcome dinner, and Scott Rigsby takes the microphone. Dr. Bill and his daughter immediately proceed through the crowd to meet him. Scott was already seated, but as it would occur, he stands and strolls toward Dr. Bill. After introduction, Scott relays that he was looking out for him pursuant to Mike's orders. Scott Rigsby is the face of physically challenged athletes around the world reclaiming their athletic lives. The Layman family is honored to have this picture, as luck would have it.
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