The Ryan Whitney Wiffle Ball Tournament
A celebration of Ryan Whitney's life through the sport he loved — honoring his memory, his spirit, and the reminder that no one should carry their burdens alone.
Why This Tournament Matters
Ryan Whitney was 15 years old when he died by suicide. He was a competitive baseball player, a freshman running back at Olathe South High School, a fisherman, a wakeboarder, and someone who had a genuine gift for making people feel seen. He loved backyard wiffle ball with his brother Jake. He fired up teammates with one simple phrase: "Be a DAWG."
In one of his final messages, Ryan wrote: "Everyone I know and love, please keep your head up and keep pushing. I want anyone who is struggling to reach out."
This tournament exists because of that. It is a celebration of how Ryan lived — with passion, humor, and an enormous heart — and a reminder that behind even the brightest smiles, people can be carrying things no one else can see. Fight Club was built for exactly that truth.
What to Expect
The Second Annual Ryan Whitney Wiffle Ball Tournament brings the Fight Club community together for a day of competition, connection, and remembrance. Teams will compete in a bracket-style wiffle ball tournament in the spirit Ryan loved best: fun, energetic, and full of heart.
This is a day to cheer each other on, lift each other up, and carry Ryan's legacy forward — not just as a talented athlete, but as a young man who encouraged everyone around him to keep pushing.
Come ready to play the way Ryan played: with everything you've got.
Upcoming Events
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Be Part of this Event
Join families, supporters, and community partners for an event that directly supports Fight Club groups for boys and girls. Your presence helps expand access to consistent, in-person connection where it matters most.
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