Cullman’s cross country community is still reeling from the loss of one of its own earlier this year.

Nicholas Fillinger unexpectedly passed away late Sept. 28, marking the tragic end of a life that had been lived to the fullest for every second of his relatively short time on Earth.

In just 16 years, the junior made more of an impact on others than most. Fillinger was, among many things, a family man, a sharp student both in the classroom and of the Bible and God’s teachings, a friend to all and, to those who knew him or had even just heard his name through the grapevine, a promising runner with the entire world in front of him.

Keeping Fillinger’s dedication and passion for the sport in mind, a heavy-hearted Cullman High cross country team made the decision to compete at Cold Springs’ annual Kudzu Hills Invitational, scheduled not even 48 hours after their beloved teammate’s death.

The Bearcats had mourned their friend and fellow competitor since learning of the horrific news late that Thursday night. But on this day, the Black and Gold were determined to honor Fillinger in a way that would’ve made him proud — putting one foot in front of the other and giving their all on the trails.

And honor Fillinger the Black and Gold did. The girls ran side by side every stride of their race. The boys, led by an inspired third-place result from Seth Swalve, nearly willed themselves to the team title, finishing just eight points back of large-school powerhouse Lawrence County.

Swalve, more well known for his exploits on the basketball court, hadn’t even planned to participate in another sport this season. And, aside from the single appearance, he didn’t. There was no way Swalve would’ve missed this meet for Nicholas, though.

“I was just trying to make him proud,” the sophomore told The Times after the race. “I’d like to think I did. I didn’t want to run cross country, but I wanted to run this one for him.”

Added Cullman coach Trent Dean: “I think from my view, I didn’t want to stand in the way of anybody’s pure intentions of showing their love for Nicholas. So I wanted to let them do what they needed to do today. It touched me when they came through together. It was very special to see.”

Though Fillinger wasn’t present in body, his spirit could be felt all around Cold Springs’ campus.

Bearcat parents, alumni, fans, faculty and administrators were scattered all over the course, offering words of encouragement at every corner. They also provided shoulders to unashamedly cry on as each Cullman boy, clearly spent both physically and emotionally, crossed the finish line.

The Eagles and St. Bernard girls squads showed support by sporting black and gold “Run 4 Nic” ribbons in their hair.

Longtime Saint coach William Calvert recalled one of Fillinger’s oft-used expressions — “To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift” — from long-distance legend Steve Prefontaine.

“Nicholas personified that quote,” Calvert told The Times during the emotional weekend. “He was always upbeat, always eager to put himself on the line to do his very best in everything, whether it was running, academics or just being kind and encouraging to others.”

Fillinger had started off the season by finishing first at the Pepsi XC Challenge. The junior had set a school record at the Fairview Invitational less than a week before his death.

In addition to Fillinger, Cullman County lost its fair share of contributors to the area’s tradition-rich sports scene.

Joe Shults, a Fairview basketball coaching icon and namesake of the high school’s gymnasium, died at 88 in early July.

Samantha Perdue, 44, a longtime teacher at Cold Springs Elementary and junior varsity volleyball coach at Good Hope, sadly passed away in late October after an 18-month battle with cervical cancer.

Chester Freeman, who was heavily involved in parks and recreation development for more than 30 years and the driving force behind the city’s Field of Miracles, was 90 when he died in February.

Dr. James C. Bailey, a major supporter of the $12 million Tom Drake Coliseum built in 1993 and namesake of the junior college’s 13-story building, passed away in mid-October.

Lastly, Grant Smith, a kind-hearted local radio personality and former correspondent for The Times, was taken suddenly at the age of 48 in June.

% Rob Ketcham can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 138 or at robk@cullmantimes.com.