Football Teams Mark Tragedy
By JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH With AP DispatchesWHEELING - A hush will replace the usual roar of the boisterous crowds beneath the Friday night lights this week as high school football teams across the nation honor those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Wheeling Park and Cameron high schools are planning moments of silence during their home games today in recognition of those who lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and in a field near Shanksville, Pa. Wheeling Park will host a game against Zanesville High School at Wheeling Island Stadium, while Cameron will face off against Beallsville at Dragon Field, both at 7:30 p.m.
A moment of silence will be observed prior to Barnesville High School's game at Caldwell, which also begins at 7:30 p.m.
Quiet remembrance also will mark the beginning of the annual "Fair Game" in Belmont County, when the St. Clairsville Red Devils meet the Union Local Jets at 7:30 p.m. at St. Clairsville's field on the Belmont County Fairgrounds.
"There will be a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 disaster," said St. Clairsville Superintendent Walt Skaggs, adding that there also will be a special reading before the game.
Skaggs noted that today's contest marks the final "Fair Game" - a long-standing tradition for the two schools.
"It's going to be sad to see that game go because of the tradition and the number of years the fair game has taken place," he said. "I'm sure a lot of memories have been had there, and it will be an adjustment for everyone. Everybody knows St. Clairsville plays Union Local at the fairgrounds."
The site that has hosted the county fair for 160 years has been sold by the fair board in favor of moving the event to a new location on Roscoe Road west of the city of St. Clairsville, beginning next year.
Today is the first time the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks falls on a Friday - a night owned by prep football around the country. And some schools are going all out to remember those who died in the attacks and served in the two wars that have followed.
Veterans, for instance, will get free admission to see the Blaine Bengals play Minnesota prep rival Centennial. Before kickoff, color guards from all four branches of the military will march onto the field, where a gigantic American flag will be unfolded at the 50-yard line. The school band, accompanied by fireworks, will play each military branch's song with a silent tribute to those who have died in combat coming next.
A moment later, four T-6 Thunder airplanes will perform a flyover, followed by a handshake by the two teams.
"I think it's going to bring some tears to eyes," said Blaine coach Shannon Gerrety. "If we can help people remember and honor the people that are there, we'll do it."
Elsewhere in Ohio, New Albany High School will hold a moment of silence before its game against DeSales. Groveport Madison, just outside of Columbus, is painting a red, white and blue ribbon on both sides of the field.
In Florida, ROTC cadets will hand out mini flags to fans who attend the game between Fort Pierce Central and Melbourne in St. Lucie County. The flag will be dropped to half staff during a pregame remembrance of those who have died, then raised again once the game begins.
In Texas, the Killeen School District, which is near the Army's Fort Hood, will host a morning event in the main football stadium. It will include military and civilian dignitaries in a ceremony similar to one it has done every year since 2001.
Defensive assistant coach Steve Guider organized the ceremonies in Blaine, outside Minneapolis.
"I've always been pretty patriotic," he said. He's wanted to have a military appreciation night for one game, and the anniversary "just added some motivation to make things bigger and better and get it done this year."
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EllisWyatt
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09-11-09 6:17 AM
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This is a nice story. Thank you to all who take the time to honor those killed on 9/11 and our military. Without them, we wouldn't be able to peacefully enjoy football or any other leisure pursuit.
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