Dear Editor, A dream will be coming true on Oct. 16 for a very
ambitious and determined man. He is one of our local native sons,
as he was born in Gilroy in 1966, raised in Coyote and attended
schools in the Morgan Hill School District. I am referring to our
son, Maverick Malech.
Dear Editor,
A dream will be coming true on Oct. 16 for a very ambitious and determined man. He is one of our local native sons, as he was born in Gilroy in 1966, raised in Coyote and attended schools in the Morgan Hill School District. I am referring to our son, Maverick Malech.
Maverick lost the ability to drive a vehicle approximately 11 years ago due to his loss of vision from an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, or otherwise known as RP. He is considered legally blind by all medical standards but you certainly would not know it by all that he has accomplished or does each day of his life. He is such an inspiration to all he comes in contact with, especially his family and close friends.
In Maverick’s Live Oak High School years of 1981-84 he played JV and varsity football. He also participated in the track events throwing the shotput and discus. He then went on to play two years of college football for Humboldt State until he received an injury to his elbow and had to have reconstructive surgery. He was no stranger to hard work and exercise but the injury ended his athletic involvement for the time being.
Maverick has always had a quiet yet determined ability to succeed in whatever he participates in. Whether it was playing his trumpet for the Martin Murphy Middle School Band so many years ago, or getting an AA Degree from College of the Redwoods while also attending Humboldt State, or getting his real estate license with the challenge of his poor vision. When Maverick sets his mind to accomplish anything, he puts his total heart and soul into that project.
When Maverick started loosing more of his eyesight, his Dad, Ray, and myself, heard about an eye specialist by the name of Dr. Halloway. She had an awesome reputation of helping poor sighted people to see again. This was our hope for Maverick as well. We found out that she had a very positive approach to trying to reverse the effects of RP or macular degeneration in her patients. So we sent Mav to Dr. Halloway for a two-week testing and teaching retreat where he could learn about taking major vitamins and minerals specifically for his eyes. He also learned about the importance of exercise for his whole body, and how to administer acute pressure to himself for enhancing blood flow stimulation.
With all this information and training, Maverick felt comfortable once again to start exercising and working out. And because he wanted to do all that he could in regards to maintaining or improving his vision, he decided to take up triathlons.
The Almaden Valley Athletic Club (AVAC) became Maverick’s training grounds with “Peter” as his personal trainer. Because Maverick stands 6-foot, 5 inches and weighs more than 200 pounds, he is always entered into the Clydesdale Category. Since Maverick’s first race six years ago, he has increased his time in running, swimming and biking. He has even won several triathlons in his division. How can he do this, you might ask? Well, Maverick’s faith in God, his determination and his follow the leader or the guy in front of him ability has always seen him through each race. Yes, he has taken some pretty good spills. I don’t know how many bikes that he has bent-up. And during the swim part of his races, he’ll admit that he has gotten off course a few times.
Now back to the reason for this story of a dream coming true. We are so proud of Maverick’s God-given accomplishments and his wonderful attitude towards life and the people around him. And perhaps this is the reason why Maverick has been entered as one of the eight handicapped entries for this year’s Hawaiian Ironman next weekend. He will, like the rest of the hand-picked participants, swim 2.4 miles, bike for 112 miles and run for 26.2 miles. And all in the same day!
Of course Ray and I will be there in Kona to cheer him on, as well as Marshall Malech, his younger brother. Maverick’s wife, Lisa, and two children will be encouraging and praying from the home front. Maverick’s sister, Sande Singley and brother-in-law, Randy Singley as well as many family members and friends will also be praying for his safety and strengths during the race. This is such a grueling race on one’s strengths, emotions and courage, especially for the challenged entries such as Maverick.
When Mav first discovered that he was going to be a participant of the Hawaii Ironman this year we were so excited for him, as was he! He went on to tell me about a young woman who will be competing in this Ironman who has been blind since birth. He is amazed at the determination and fortitude of this individual. Little did Maverick know that as he told me this story, I had tears in my eyes just thinking about Maverick and his determination and attitude toward this up and coming event, as well as his daily walk in life. He is awesome! Well, it’s a mothers prerogative, after all!
After Mav stepped up his training and has completed a 100-mile bike race, another half-Ironman, increased his swimming time, etc., I asked him if he thought he was ready for the Ironman, or almost ready. He answered with a resounding “Yes, I’m ready.” Well, that settles it for me. He has the mind set, the determination and the “can do” attitude. If Maverick can finish this nine-hour plus race, he will indeed be a winner.
Maverick is an active real estate salesman for ERA Steinbeck in Salinas where he and his family live. Not only does he sale real estate, but he also teaches real estate classes to the new Realtors for the firm.
It would be so memorable if we could get our communities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Coyote and Salinas to rally together and support “Maverick’s Dream” by praying for his strength and safety and/or by sending him your good wishes for success in the Ironman on October 16. Maverick, his family and I thank you. With God’s help, all things are possible.
Nancy Malech, Coyote
