April 25, 2008

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Former Notre Dame distance running legend and nine-time All-American Ryan Shay, who died suddenly on Nov. 3 at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in New York City, will be profiled in a segment Tuesday at 7 p.m. (ET) on the new ESPN newsmagazine show, E:60. The feature, which will be narrated by veteran broadcaster Lisa Salters, offers a look at Shay’s magical life and career through the eyes of his wife, Alicia, and his coaches, including longtime Notre Dame skipper Joe Piane.

The 28-year-old Shay was considered one of the favorites to earn a place on the U.S. Olympic Team in the marathon when he took part in last year’s trials. However, just past the five-mile mark, Shay collapsed while racing through Central Park and was later pronounced dead at a New York-area hospital. It was later determined that the Irish All-American died of a heart-related condition.

A native of Central Lake, Mich., Shay remains the most recent Notre Dame athlete to win an NCAA individual track & field title, taking top honors in the 10,000-meter run at the 2001 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore., and winning by a staggering 20-second margin. Shay’s performance at that meet conjured up memories of another legendary distance runner, Oregon’s Steve Prefontaine, and made him the only Irish track standout in the past 36 years to win a national title.

— ND —