XBC Bio

Literally, “XBC” are the initials for X.B. “Boone” Cox, IV. A member of the Class of 2005, Boone was a 12-season varsity athlete in cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. He earned multiple all-district individual honors, and was a member of the All-Region Chantilly Boys 4x800m relay team. A well rounded athlete, Boone was a 4.0 student and team captain, who attended the University of Virginia in the fall of 2005. He would have graduated last year (2009).

In January, 2006, Boone was diagnosed with leukemia. This disease turned his own world upside down, and deeply affected all of those around him who love him: his family, his friends, his coaches and former teammates. As he progressed through treatment, and adjusted to life as a cancer survivor, he attacked his new routine with the same vigor and enthusiasm that he displayed for four years as one of Chantilly’s top runners. It was this fighting spirit and commitment to success that always touched the Charger coaching staff and team, and it is in this spirit that the Chargers dedicate this invitational towards Boone and his family.

Despite all of the efforts of his doctors, family and friends, Boone lost his battle with leukemia on September 22, 2006. He will live on forever in the hearts and memories of all of those people who knew him best, for his determination, for his smile and laughter, and for his dedication to his team and his sport. He leaves behind not just his memories, but his words:

My request is simple… please, please find a charity, find an organization, find ANYTHING that supports research into a disease such as leukemia, HIV, breast cancer… ANYTHING… and support it. Give money, volunteer time, do anything you can, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. You never know when something like this may be thrown into your lap, and you never know who may be affected by a disease like this… you think it can’t happen to you (I sure didn’t) and hopefully it never will, but so long as you’re able to help – why not do it?

This experience has truly changed my life in ways that I never could have imagined. Priorities have been flipped upside down, and things that I wouldn’t even have given a second thought to in the past I now look at as beauty in everyday life… I hope that you see the value that can be found in the lives of all of your friends and family, and that you take strides toward protecting their lives (and the lives of thousands of others), by supporting an organization which researches life-threatening diseases.”

Thanks.

Boone Cox, March, 2006

It is important to note that cancer of any type is not just a solitary battle. Boone did not fight this alone. Survivors include the afflicted, as well as the families of the victims. Boone’s parents, XB III and Kelly, and his sister Jordan, fought this battle along side him. We, at CHS, realize that many of us may know a cancer victim personally, and wish to remind you that support for each other is as key in the fight against cancer, as is research and funding for better medical techniques. We hope that this meet will remind us of that idea to treasure our opportunities, and to make the best of each opportunity that comes along. This is true in life, as it is in track & field. We wish best of luck to all competitors today.

Coaches Gilchrist, Franks, Hicks, Ansari, Soljanyk, Ransom, Raher & Steck

Chantilly HS Track & Field/Cross Country