As a part of their normal cross country practice, sophomore Charles Scherff, juniors YiChuan “Jacky” Zhang, Kage Tomlin and Noah Webb ran from the high school to the college back road trails.  September 6, the four continued on towards Woods Creek Trail and reached a bend in the trail near Washington and Lee’s Wilson soccer field. 

At this location, they encountered the Virginia Military Institute cycling club. As the runners were passing the club, Scherff, Tomlin, Webb, and Zhang witnessed the bike crash of a VMI second-classman, who asked not be mentioned by name. The cadet, according to the story of the four cross country members, flipped over the front of his bike and made impact with the graveled ground. Because he was in the rear of the group of cyclers, the other club members were not aware of his misfortune. The cadet was still conscious, but he was concussed from his impact and lied on the road. 

“He looked like he was in pretty bad shape,” said Scherff. “There was a lot of blood coming from his head.” 

There was no distinct cause for the dismount, as accidents happen with little reason and come naturally with the sport of cycling.

The runners separated from each other as Zhang went to further assess the victim’s condition and Tomlin alerted the cycling club members. As this occurred, Scherff and Webb made for one of W&L’s nearby emergency telephones to inform emergency services of the fallen cadet.

“There was nobody else there to help,” said Scherff. “We were the only ones who could see him then.” 

Two club members then helped their fellow cadet up the path to an awaiting police car. Approximately five minutes later, emergency services arrived. 

The cadet was then transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Emergency staff treated him for a broken nose, a minor concussion, and various abrasions. 

“The injuries hadn’t caused me any problems other than missing a few days of classes while I was out,” said the cadet.  

Because the high school runners were still in practice, they could not stay for cadet’s entire rescue. The runners exchanged only a few words with the other bikers before they departed.

“We had to run back to school very quickly and I think our coach was mad that we were gone for so long,” said Zhang. 

The cadet and the high school students have never been reunited nor have had any communication, but the cyclist expressed his gratitude through his interview.