The Mount Mary University community lost one of their own this last week. Tony Van Hammond, father to Blue Angel Bethany Van Hammond passed away April 12th.

The loss comes after a two year battle with esophageal cancer. During that fight, the Blue Angels Athletic community hosted a game to raise awareness for cancer and to dedicate their efforts in the name of Tony Van Hammond in the 2013 season.

Tony is survived by his wife Cathy and two daughters Amber and Bethany. Bethany Van Hammond has been a member of the Blue Angels volleyball team for the last two seasons, and an active member in the Student Athletes Advisory Committee and in the Mount Mary community.

A husband, a father, a coach, a faithful volunteer, are just some of the ways to describe Tony's impact on all that had the pleasure of meeting him.

The Mount Mary University Athletic community would like to send their deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the Van Hammond family. Tony will be missed!