Our Fallen Eagles

I've struggled the last few days on what I can possibly type on this blog that would give comfort to all those who read it. I've tried time and time again to type, and end up just shutting off my computer. T and Ryne were outstanding young men. People often say that about people who pass from this life, but these two guys were the real deal. They really are the type of young men that this institution meant to have as a member of the Faulkner football team. Ryne and T were friends to everyone they came across. They exemplified this university and this program. We remembered these young men in a memorial service on campus Monday. I could not be more proud to be a part of this Faulkner football family. The families of both young men were in attendance along with the entire University. I believe the families now know just how much we loved T and Ryne.

The players sat with a smile on their faces as they watched a slide show of the lives of T and Ryne. In a way this picture encompasses how everyone felt about these young men. All we knew of Ryne and T was the smile they always had and the smiles they spread to everyone they knew. 20 years from now as memories of touchdowns and tackles fade from our thoughts, the love of brotherhood through teammates will always remain. It's a bond that only teammates will know. A tie that can never be broken no matter the score of a game or the outcome of a game. I think Coach Baker said it best in a poem that he wrote just for this occasion.

Remember Us
To the living, we are gone.
To the sorrowful, we will never return.
To the angry, we were cheated.
To the happy, we are at peace.
To the faithful, we never left.
We cannot be seen, but we can be heard.
So as you push through the tough times, remember us.
As you celebrate life's victories, remember us.
As you cheer our Eagles, remember us.
Remember us, in your heart, your thoughts, and your memories.
The times we've shared, the times we've cried, the times we've laughed.
For if you always think of us, we will have never gone.
Ryne and T, We will never forget you.
BY GREGG BAKER, FAULKNER HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

Though we will take the field on August 29th for our next game, we will not be alone. As the whistle blows we will always have the comfort knowing that our brothers are there. In our locker room, on the sideline, in the huddle, on the field, and in our hearts. T and Ryne will ALWAYS be our SOARING EAGLES.

Cherish the time you have with your friends, families, and teammates. Take every moment to let someone know that you care. As T and Ryne did, live your life giving joy to others.