‘We Can All Rest a Little Easier Now’ [PODCAST]

It's a week that began with unspeakable tragedy at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

Four days later, the unwavering American spirit was on full display along the streets of a Massachusetts suburb.

Back here in South Jersey, those that were a part of Monday's event are now sharing their experiences, and offering insight on what it was like to be down on the streets of Boston through it all.

We were privileged to be joined on the South Jersey Sports Report by Carol Donohue, Tyler's mother and a 13-time participant in the Boston Marathon. She offered us a glimpse of what stands out in her mind as a competitor, a wife, mother and an American. Listen in to hear her incredible story.

While we will never forget what happened in Massachusetts this week, we often turn to sports as a distraction and an escape from the often cruel realities of the real world. While sports cannot possibly begin to heal the pain caused by the actions of a few, they can be used as a way to rally the spirit of determination, and bring people a little closer together.

It's with those intentions that we present this weekend's edition of The South Jersey Sports Report podcast, in the hope of offering even the smallest chance of relief for those grieving in Boston and around the world.

Listen to this week's show:

Carol Donohue, Tyler's mother & 2013 Boston Marathon runner

Kevin Minnick, Courier Post sports writer

Matt Sugam, SNY Rutgers beat reporter

Braheme Days, Bridgeton Track & Field standout

Steve DiPatri, Former Sacred Heart girls basketball coach

Tom Williams, South Jersey Hall of Fame sports reporter

We’d also like to congratulate the South Jersey Athlete of the Week:

Ricky Hopkins

Baseball, Holy Spirit

The senior catcher is crushing the ball so far this season, carrying a .523 batting average, a home run, four doubles and 10 RBIs through the first eight games. Hopkins hit a pair of doubles and drove in three runs to help lead the Spartans to a surprising 11-9 victory over previously unbeaten St. Augustine.

Listen to our interview with Hopkins in last week's edition of the South Jersey Sports Report:

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com, and now catch the expanded edition every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m.

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake

And finally, from all of us here at the South Jersey Sports Report and 97.3 ESPN-FM, we'd like to extend our prayers and deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragedies in Massachusetts this week. We'd also like to thank the first responders, law enforcement officials, and all those that played a part in the relief and recovery effort.

WE ARE ALL BOSTON STRONG.