TEAM 58

On July 4th, 1996 Walter P Kelly ran his first and what would turn out to be his only Pepper Martin 5-miler.  After the race he proclaimed he wouldn’t miss it again for he had too much fun.  He said it was the draw of the parks, local people and small town atmosphere that intrigued him.   Only Walter would find the hottest and toughest road race on Staten Island so much fun.  I decided I would keep his promise and return every year in his stay.  In doing so I asked our friends if they would join me and in doing so Team 58 was born.

Every Fourth of July the members of Team 58 gather in Clove Lakes Park and take part in the Pepper Martin 5-Miler.  We do so in memory of our dear friend Walter.  We run along Forest Avenue with memories of Walter as not only a friend but an athlete.  It wasn't long ago that he walked this very street giving his monologues and running through it's parks.

The team gathers every year 4th of July morning and runs with the number 58 emblazoned on their backs in memory of Walter.  Walter wore the number 58 throughout his years playing football at SIBFL, Monsignor Farrell and Marist College.