This year, I decided to take on something that felt nearly impossible — the Ironman.

On June 29, 2025, I’ll be racing in Nice, France, and it's not just a personal challenge; it’s a reflection of everything Sam Asbury stood for and the incredible people who continue to support his legacy.

Training for an Ironman has pushed me mentally and physically in ways I didn’t expect, but every mile, every early morning, and every moment of doubt has a purpose.

It’s about honoring Sam, raising awareness for mental health, and contributing to something that’s making a real impact. Every dollar I raise will go to The Sam Asbury Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and providing hope to those impacted by suicide and mental health.

Sam was a pledge brother of mine in college, and we grew close through a mutual love for sports and humor. He had this rare ability to bring people together — always quick with a joke, always ready to compete. We shared a bond that was both light-hearted and deep, and it’s a connection I think about often while training. Taking on something this tough feels like the right way to honor someone who always pushed those around him to be better.

Since graduating from college, I’ve found myself away from a lot of close friends, whether because of work, school, or life taking us in different directions. But what’s made this experience even more meaningful is that events like the golf outing and The Fight Against Suicide bring all of us back together. Supporting the foundation gives us something deeper to stay connected around, and that means everything to me.

We were all close to Sam, and became even closer through him. His impact on our lives is still deeply felt. He was a role model to all of us — incredibly loyal, kind, and fiercely competitive in the best way. That competitive drive he had is something I carry with me into this race. I know he'd be the first to push us to go harder, go farther, and keep showing up, and I think about that constantly when I'm training.

Mental health has, sadly, become a more prominent issue in today’s world — something that touches everyone in some way at some point in life. That’s why it’s so important to promote awareness, share resources, and encourage open conversation, so people feel comfortable asking for help when they need it. No one is above it, and people need to know that they’re not alone.

The Sam Asbury Foundation has already made a real impact through initiatives like The Fight Against Suicide — a powerful event that’s helping raise awareness across college campuses through friendly boxing matches. It’s a creative and energetic way to bring people together and start genuine conversations. Watching the foundation grow and seeing it reach new places every year is truly inspiring.

What’s motivated me most isn’t just Sam, but also everyone who’s rallied behind him — people like Max Coffin, Jackson Stuart, David Edmiston, and the older guys in Sam’s grade who have done so much to keep his spirit alive. Their care and dedication to this cause are truly remarkable, and it’s inspiring to see how Sam’s legacy continues to bring people together. This race is just one small way I can honor that — by pushing myself, supporting the foundation, and helping spread the kind of strength, love, and awareness Sam always inspired.

Max Turnier Ironman Fundraising

By Sam Asbury Foundation

Max Turnier Ironman Fundraising

Raising awareness and funds for the Sam Asbury Foundation by Training for and Completing an Ironman in Nice, France in June of 2025