HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB) — Harry Melendez’s football journey started at Holyoke High School but he’s hoping to take it to the NFL.
The former Purple Knight played at Suffield Academy for a post-graduate year, then went on to Trinity College for his college education. The cornerback had a stellar career for the Bantams — notching nine interceptions his senior year. His gaudy stats wowed writers and scouts across the nation, and now he’s training for a regional NFL combine in New York.
“I’m just excited for this opportunity to put Holyoke on the map,” said Melendez.
He’s also been doing good work off the field. Melendez started a running club — aptly named — “I’m Running for Holyoke”, but the group has taken on a noble quest: to make Holyoke a better place.
“We do this for our city, it’s not for anything else,” said Ezekiel Cruz, a member of the group. “A lot of people talk about Holyoke and they think its ghetto or there’s nothing going on here, but this goes to show you one person can bring a lot of us together. We can make moves and make some changes to our city.”
Melendez is trying to accomplish all of his dreams all without the guidance of his mother Angelica, who passed away in 2008.
“She’s the biggest influence of my life,” Melendez said.
Even without his mother here in person, he knows she’d be proud of the work he’s doing.
“I think she’d just be happy to see me following my dreams and chasing what I want to do,” said Melendez.
To help out “I’m Running for Holyoke”, like their facebook fanpage. On April 21, they are rallying thousands of runners and walkers to downtown Holyoke for a run — all in an attempt to bring the community closer together.
Harry is an awesome person! He is someone I know personaly and I am very proud of the work he is doing for our community! This is great opportunity to unite our city and create a sense of pride, acomplishment and a new path for Holyoke. Harry keep up the good work!
I’m all about Holyoke and love that people are doing great work there. However, I don’t see how someone training for the NFL is a story, and for that matter, improving Holyoke. Nothing against the guy–I hope he gets his dream. But, c’mon. Seems like anyone lately in Holyoke is getting glorified for the simplest thing. Find the ones busy making a REAL difference in the community. They don’t have time for self-promotion. That’s where the real story is.
How is this news?! These clowns are going for a run and printing tshirts to go along with their run! I agree with Stacia, I think it’s fine if he wants to go to the NFL, but I honestly don’t think he should lie to me and tell me he is running for Holyoke when he is really running for himself.
And the so called youth he pulled off the street to run with him are just his friends. This is so upsetting. I can name 10 people off the top of my head who are REALLY doing something for Holyoke.
This is as ridiculous as writing a story about another news story.
Goob
Don’t let those last 2 posts bring you down. What they don’t know is you and what you are all about. People who try to put others down are just jealous or insecure. You keep doing your thing for HOLYOKE. And to Stacia and Andrew what on earth does someone trying to bring members of the community together have to do with his ambition to make a run at the pros? Get over yourselves!
To the people who think this is not a story then you missed the whole point. Harry has overcome so much tragedy in his young life already. He has beat every stat out there growing up in poverty being raised by a single mother and then to lose her at such a young age. Harry is doing an incredible thing here and when he does make the NFL you people will be the first ones to say “Hey he’s from Holyoke….”. I am sooo proud to call him my family. Harry we all support you and know that your mom is sitting back with her nuggets smiling down on you.
I agree with Mike nd dawn keep up the good work goob dnt let nobody bring u down.. u know wat ur about nd keep doing u
I think this story is changing the community in some way. Obesity is taking over our community let alone the nation. If one person can bring a small group together and promote healthy living, it’s only going to get contagious and spread. Also the fact that the city of Holyoke can come together as one and promote a cause is a great thing as well. People now and days don’t go out and volunteers or work with others as one unit anymore. Got to see the bigger picture.
Mike: “what on earth does someone trying to bring members of the community together have to do with his ambition to make a run at the pros?”= You just proved those two people’s points.
In this video all I hear is “bringing people together” SO WHAT? If you have the power to bring people together, make them do something other than use the sidewalk to run.
Unless, after running those people went to volunteer at a shelter, or went to the hospital to bring toys to sick kids, or at least cleaned up the trash while they were running, from this story, as far as I’m concerned, this is all about the people running and not Holyoke.
Dawn: I know Harry has gone through a lot I actually know him personally. I’m sorry for the loss of his mother, this comment (as well as the other two above) are not an attack on Harry. They are real concerns for how the media is choosing to glorify people who like Andrew said are only doing things for themselves.
Frank Medero: No where on this video or Rob Deza’s video of Harry and I am Running for Holyoke do I hear anything about Obesity. I would probably respect this more if they had at least mentioned it once. If you want to talk about obesity or people doing real things to fight obesity or promote helathy living, look up the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council or look for the people volunteering their time for this type of organization. There ARE real volunteers, they just don’t have the time to send out press realeases and unfotunately the media unless the NFL or the mayor are mentioned will not pay attention to REAL heroes.
Is helping the community by showing our youth that there is positive things they could be doing, that even though he was raised by a single mom and in housing with hard work and education dreams can be at our reach.
Not really sure how this story has anything to do with improving the city of Holyoke. I’ve seen this group running before they are just keeping someone company as he trains to become an NFL player. What are they actually doing to improve the city? Plenty of people are constantly running in the city of Holyoke, but they don’t get media attention. I understand how he has overcome much and I admire his ambition and preserverance but I just don’t see this as media worthy or change in the city. Plenty of Holyokers have tried going pro and some have. (Mark Wohlers for example) What does that actually do for the city? Take Tebow for example, look at all his coverage and you rarely ever hear anythig about his home town. This isn’t about Holyoke at all, it’s about one person. We shouldn’t constantly praise athletes. Kids need something besides football players to look up to.
I think some of you are being a little too critical of someone who is just trying to convey this idea of city pride. Holyoke is a place that has a strong negative stigma associated with it. I think it is a nice thing that someone as well respected as Harry is emphasizing community. I agree that this isn’t the most impactful group but I think they are doing a good job with the resources they have. The group has participated in various charity running events like the lung cancer awareness run in wilbraham and has hundreds of followers on Facebook.
I also want to dispel this idea that Harry’s friends are keeping him company as he trains. Harry has a very serious workout regiment and these runs aren’t part of it. He does those runs solely for the group and what he believes it stands for.
I’m happy that he has brought a group together but it seems that the media attention was more focused on his shot at becoming a pro football player. It was under the sports section of the news after all. I mean if he doesn’t make the cut I hope that the group will continue to run and maybe focus more on community service, like cleaning up trash after their runs or something.
I agree with Michael! There’s a bunch of great organizations in Holyoke working for change. I’m sure there are lots of ways they could volunteer to create an even better City for us all!
This movement of running for Holyoke it is a different way of helping out the community. Yes there is other organizations that are working for a better Holyoke, but maybe that is not the way he feels like he will make an impact. I truly admire and respect every organization and individual making a difference in Holyoke. I just wish that people can see that there are many different ways to help Holyoke and this is one of them. It is to get people from Holyoke to start being active. What is so wrong with that? Also can I ask, if you start a organization, program, or event, don’t you start getting the support from those who you know most like your friends and family first? Then they help you spread the word??
In order to spread the word you have to know the mayor’s photographer.
This is the exact problem with Holyoke, they take a positive story and a positive person and turn into something negative. I’ve known Harry for about 15 years, and he is far from a selfish person. People need to do there research before they talk. Taking pride in your city is the first step in moving forward, this is what Harry is putting together. Goob keep doing what you do, use negativity as motivation!!!
This is definetly a great story. I believe this young man is doing a good thing – but maybe not marketed well. I think there might be two stories here. One of which it’s about him and his goals and perseverence (which is good.) The other is about him trying to unite holyokeans. Trying to blend both stories causes a lot of misconceptions and confusion.
I like the idea of trying to unite holyoke people to run, or play dominoes, or play basketball or sing, or drive around the city. BUT what is missing is the actual benefit to the city of Holyoke. Maybe they have good intentions but don’t know or realize their potential yet. So if they’re reading these comments, best I can say is to help out the community by taking donations and giving it to hospitals or schools or something. That would be gelping out the city.
As for the story about him and his football career, that should of been a separate thing that shouldn’t have mentioned running for Holyoke.
Crazy how every one is talking so negative about what he is doing for his future n for his city. This is why youth here in holyoke don’t ever get anywhere because of the support system they have and all the criticizes. I don’t know him buy I went to school with him he’s a great football player and I seen him around n I don’t see anything negative about he’s a great person. Glad someone in holyoke is trying to move on in life n make there city known and change it for the better with the youth
Harry started off as a simple human being coming from a harsh background and decided to become something better.And just like everyone else in the world he dealt with many struggles.I’ve met Harry myself and he’s a great person with big dreams.Using the media or the community to spread the word about his “I’m running for Holyoke” thing is NOT bad thing.How many times has the media gave us nothing but depressing stories about crime? Finally something positive is coming out of Holyoke so don’t complain about it.Go harry!
Oh yeah and don’t you dare speak bad about Rob Deza the man who works with Harry on his videos and photo.He’s a great person and does positive things around here unlike some people.
Why are people so negative about change? Seriously, It made me angry when I read those negative comments on that website. He is a hard working young man who is doing something positive for the community. Helping young kids get out of the streets and putting their mind and body into something more positive. Running for Holyoke is a great way to promote healthy living.It does not only educate young kids about fitness, it always motivates them to stay active and drug free. I hate people sometimes…
To the people that are talking sh.. well you guys don’t really understand what holyoke really about then because if you love the city of holyoke like you guys say you do then you wouldn’t be trying to down talk somebody that truely trying to make a change and yes this because his friends are in the video and do go on the runs at less they trying to help now if you knew somebody (friend or family) that have chance to make it to the NFL you wouldn’t be talking sh.. I new harry my hole life that because he my family and trust and believe (my aunt ) harry mother did not raise him to be selffish she tought him to be a man and to never forget where he came from and that the city of holyoke!!!!!!!!
Harry, you are the man. Keep chasing your dreams and making a positive influence. Noone that actually knows you will ever doubt your motiv. Stay hot!
Stacia Fuentes – if you are so called all about Holyoke then how can you be so ignorant by cutting someone down whose trying to make a difference in the city which you self proclaim are all about!? Are you so ignorant that you would rather sit behind a computer an talk negative about people who at least are trying , then to actually contact harry himself an try to put something together that would create what you would refer to as a REAL DIFFERENCE ? better yet why don’t you Tell that to the many students harry has helped mentor, tell that to the many community members around the city that harry has had a positive influence on … tell that to charities that harry has shown support with his running group that represents the city of Holyoke under the mantra of “ IM RUNNING FOR HOLYOKE” . This is such a POSTIVE MOVEMENT for a city that has such a negative stigma! Maybe something as simple as a running group is his way of giving back. Who are you to judge? You ask how someone chasing his NFL dream contributes in making a difference!? It’s such a SYMBOLIC SYMBOL for the city to have one of its very own, who came from the bottom… with every odd stacked against him…who dealt with all the adversity this city already faces on a daily basis an still this kid has managed to obtain the opportunity to do something as simple but yet so powerful as CHASE A DREAM!!! .. It gives the youth a symbol of HARDWORK and DEDICATION … that it is POSSIBLE to chase a DREAM!!! Especially the Latino youth …which is large portion of the city … it gives them a sign that it is possible to go to college and earn a degree to better themselves, their families, a their communities!!!
ANDREW M. – those so called clowns are Holyoke alums … those so called clowns are either attending or have earned a degree from a college institution …. Those so called clowns who wear matching shirts have run for many charities around western mass. Representing the city of Holyoke … those so called clowns are members of the community who are making an effort to show support for the city of Holyoke … those so called clowns are part of positive movement! They may not be perfect according to your high standards but at least there coming together for a positive movement. And since you’re so upset about this so called liar why don’t you try contacting him personally an express your frustration and concerns with his running group? A while you’re at it why don’t help him try to contact these ten people of Holyoke so they can make a REAL DIFFERENCE or are you that much of a coward to speak negative behind a keyboard! You sound very ignorant an envious and maybe this should inspire you to create a movement that’s NEWS WORTHY? … But then again remember to thank harry for giving you inspiration to make what you a stacia call a “REAL DIFFERENCE”!!! LOL FYI they run every Sunday during the summer at Holyoke high.
JESSICA RODRIGUEZ- there a RUNNING GROUP named “IM RUNNING FOR HOLYOKE” they chose to make a difference by RUNNING FOR HOLYOKE in various charities around western mass !!! I wouldn’t expect a running group to do nothing other than RUNNING!!! Yes, he’s bringing people together but for a positive movement! The thing is they just started this last year… possibilities are endless and there is no telling how big this can get in terms of helping the communities in Holyoke. An if you know harry personally then you would know that he was also busy finishing school an earning his degree while also training for the NFL. This thing is still on its first level of growth. I believe there motto is start small, DREAM BIG. You have many great ideas and maybe you should contact harry and convey your ideas an help this movement grow into something big for the city of Holyoke! Just in case you have a hard time finding harry or missed it in the video you can find harry every Sunday in the summer doing nothing other than on the sidewalks RUNNING FOR HOLYOKE!
For all of you negative nancy’s YOURE ALL missing the point. Harry statically wise, wasnt suppose to be where he is today &a thats the part of themy reasoning behind “I’m running for holyoke”, to spread the word that you dont have to be raised in a “high end” city or by wealthy parents etc,. That you CAN chase your dreams and achieve your goals if youre motivated and live in a city where people support ou and believe in you and THAT is ehat harry is proving…by getting a community together to do something together whether its running or donating a million dollars its that bond that makea a city strong and says, “just becauae youve had a rough start to life, you can overcome it and your city is behind you”! Just because he’s getting publicity for following his dream and working hard for it doesnt give ANYONE the right to put him down ESPECIALLY if you dont know him and are too ignorant to see the big picture and realize that even if harry didnt get publicity he would STILL be doing what he’s doing for himself AND his city.. Jealousy is a sick disease you should be praising people who try to do good for their community and realize that it doesnt have to be collecting guns off the street or working at kates kitchen to do something good… GET OVER YOURSELVES! GO GET EM GOOB, THERES HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT ARE PROUD OF YOU AND BELIEVE IN YOU!
How pathetic are the people finding a way to criticize Harry? There’s shootings, stabbings, bullying stories left and right, so they finally focus on a young man doing POSITIVE things for his city and you seriously choose to criticize him? Funny how people can sit behind a computer screen to run their mouths… Yes I know him personally, he is one of my best friends BUT I’d be supportive of any person trying to accomplish what Harry is. He is getting a bunch of young kids together to do something other than wander around the city looking for trouble, doesn’t matter if they are his friends or whoever else… Fact of the matter is they’re not doing some negative. He is a positive influence for all kids who were born in less than perfect situations. Seriously, the pessimism is ridiculous, get a life!
I highly doubt that the negative ones on here, criticizing others, are not cleaning up the city of Holyoke nor volunteering at a shelter or doing some other similar type of charitable work that they feel Harry and his running mates should be doing. It’s quite easy to throw stones, isn’t it?
I see no sense in this Im running for holyoke business. If honestly you want to make a difference volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter home. Give blood or read to the children at Shriners . But really, running for Holyoke?? As far as him over coming “tragedies in his young life”, who in Holyoke hasn’t?? I grew up in foster homess whole life. Abandoned bybothmy drug addict parents. I dropped out of high school my senior year and I became a teen parent and was diagnosed with brain cancer when my daughter was 1. I was only 20. I’ve over come all obstacles and put my life back on track. Getting my g e d and graduating from college with my LPN . And I am only one of many whose over come her differences. So feed that b.s to someone else. God knows my heart goes out to him as far as losing his mother. that’s tragic. But i don’t see why he’s being glorified when nothing has yet to change in Holyoke.
There are other ways to bring the city of Holyoke together other than running. Just saying