On February 10th 2015, Rolla High School was the place of a tumultuous event unlike any other: The 2015 Rolla Wheelchair Racing Finals Match Event, or 2015RWRFME. The competitors were part-time AP European history teacher Nancy Lowrey, and senior Chris Cates. Although Lowrey initially was dragging behind Cates in the early stages of the competition, she was able to pull through and roll out of the race with a championship title.
“It took five weeks of nonstop training to get these biceps to be able to push the wheels at such a high level. It took immense levels of perseverance and dedication. It’s a good thing Chris is a nice boy, otherwise I wouldn’t have taken it so easy on him. I would have beaten him far more than I already did; I’ll admit, I kind of eased up as I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I feel like he took it quite well with poise and acceptance of the fact that he was beaten by someone better at wheelchair racing than him,” Lowrey said.
After a long and illustrious career, Lowrey has announced that this may very well be her last competition for the foreseeable future.
“Well, I’ve had a long run and been there and done that. I have decided to retire from wheelchair racing and go out undefeated. I think I’ll become a part-time AP European History teacher. And while we’re here, I’ve decided to go to Moscow instead of Disneyland,” Lowrey said.
Lowrey however, is a humble champion, and would like to recognize the many people and wheelchairs that have helped her in achieving the title of 2015RWRFME champion.
“I’d like to thank my peers, fellow teachers, Chris Cates and the press for being here and reporting on my victory. Most of all, I’d like to thank Sandy VanAken for loaning me a wheelchair in order for me to get about,” Lowrey said.