Parry McCluer senior honored by University of Virginia Football

BUENA VISTA (WSLS 10) - The Parry McCluer Fighting Blues play on Fridays, but one student is looking to Saturday and a different football game.

Senior Lucas Bolen has been recognized by UVa's new Thursday Heroes initiative. It's a recognition effort that followed Coach Bronco Mendenhall to UVa.

On Saturday, he'll be standing on the sidelines of the University of Virginia Cavaliers.

Lucas got his own special day behind the scenes, although, he's already a familiar face to the program.

"It's just like a family-type thing, I mean, it's how like UVa is, it's like a family tradition over there," Lucas explained.

Lisa Bolen, Lucas' mom, said the players and coaches have been his heroes for more than a decade now as he's faced numerous health battles.

"Those guys have been his heroes ever since he was a little fellow. I said, I remember so many times when he was sick and in the hospital they were always there. They took time out from their practices or whatever it was. They took time out to be there with me, my daughter, and Lucas. They came and sat on the bedside with him," Lisa said.

The Bolen family has spent countless hours in Charlottesville seeking treatment for Lucas in the UVa health system, but his coming visit is about fun.

Lisa says it's not about winning or losing on the field.

"It is not about them suiting up on Saturdays and playing a ballgame, that's not what it's about. They are human, they have heart and boy do they love to share their hearts, because they really do. They really take care of other kids and other people."

"It's really nice because I can always count on them," Lucas said.

It's clear when it comes to family Lucas is 2-0.


About the Author:

After working and going to school in Central Virginia for over five years, Lindsey’s made her way back home to the mountains.