Will Dicus 1990-2009
Five-year cancer battle ends
By Steve Behr

Will Dicus, a popular member of Watauga’s baseball team, died Monday night at Watauga Medical Center after a five-year battle with cancer.

He was 18.

Dicus was stricken with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare disease in which cancer cells are found in the bone or in soft tissue usually either in the leg or ribs. It often strikes male teenagers.

Dicus was remembered as a likable and yet mentally tough individual who loved baseball, particularly at Watauga High School. He played on the varsity the last two years and saw time on the mound his junior year despite the risk of injury, including a game against West Wilkes when he pitched five innings.

“He’s just a courageous kid,” Watauga baseball coach Pete Hardee said. “It was dangerous for him to be on the mound if he got hit by a baseball, but he never thought twice about it. I admire his parents for supporting him being out there. A lot of parents would say he didn’t need to be out there, but that was how much baseball meant to him.”

Dicus traveled all over the country getting treatments and watching baseball games. He made one trip to the West Coast to watch baseball, and often would travel to Atlanta to watch the Braves.

Dicus also played basketball before he was diagnosed at age 13. Though he could no longer play the game, he remained a fan, especially of Duke.

Dicus and his family attended the 2009 ACC Tournament and were able to meet and take pictures with the Blue Devils and head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Dicus was born on Sept. 26, 1990 to Bill and Pepi Dicus. He was a member of the 2003 11-12-year old Little League District 7 champions and played for the 2005 Junior League District 7 champs, which included several players who made up Watauga’s 2009 Northwestern 4-A Conference champs.

While playing in the Junior League state tournament, Dicus would receive treatment at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, then head back to the tournament in Waynesville.

Dicus was also an avid Watauga football fan. When Watauga beat A.C. Reynolds 25-24 in the second round of the 2006 state 4-A playoffs, the Dicus family drove from Bethesda, Md. to Asheville and got to the game on time.

When the Pioneers made their run to the 2007 state 4-A playoffs, Dicus and some of his friends started dressing up in “theme” costumes, often encompassing standout running back Eric Breitenstein in their theme.

One time, they dressed up as UPS workers, with the slogan “What can Eric (Breitenstein) do for you?”

Another time, they dressed as energizer bunnies with the slogan “Eric just keeps on going, and going and going....”

But baseball was the sport that drove Dicus. Even when he could not play, Hardee said he was an important part of the Pioneers’ roster.

“He didn’t have much strength, but he would continue to come to practice and come to the games,” Hardee said. “He was our emotional leader. The players counted on him to fill that role and he did it.”

During a radio commentary Tuesday morning, WATA/WECR sports broadcaster Mike Kelly suggested a scholarship in Dicus’ name may be awarded in the future.

“I also recommend that WHS coach Pete Hardee and the baseball team retire Will’s No. 6 jersey,” Kelly said.
The pitcher’s fight against cancer had become well-known throughout the community and prompted the printing of “Pray for Dicus” bumper stickers, as well as several benefit events and road races.

On March 10, Dicus and the 12 other Pioneer seniors were honored during the annual Senior Night game and the opposing team, South Caldwell, raised $200 for Dicus’ family.

For funeral arrangements, please click here.