[ad_1]
ARK CITY, Kan. (KWCH) โ The city of Arkansas Metropolis (Ark Metropolis) got here collectively Friday night time to recollect Rhett Lathers. The 17-year-old pupil athlete was a senior at Ark Metropolis Excessive College. He died from his injuries in a Tuesday night crash in Kay County, Okla. Two different passengers have been injured within the crash by which the Oklahoma Freeway Patrol reported the 18-year-old driver was below the affect. The driving force was not critically injured.
Lathers was a starter for Ark Metropolis Excessive Collegeโs soccer staff, which had been scheduled to play at McPherson Friday night time within the opening spherical of the Class 4A playoffs. Final season, Lathers was a key member of the Bulldog staff that turned heads with a run to the state title recreation, a run that included an upset of McPherson within the state semifinals. Ark City chose to forfeit Friday nightโs game, ending its season. It was a transfer each groups scheduled for the anticipated rematch felt was applicable with Ark Metropolis going through circumstances a lot larger than the sport of soccer.
At Ark Metropolis Excessive College Friday night time, there was nonetheless a game-like environment with the marching band enjoying the alma mater and followers cheering on the soccer staff as gamers stormed out of the locker room and onto the sphere. The gamers suited as much as honor their fallen teammate. Lathersโ quantity, 42, lined the sphere and scoreboard.
โI really like what I do and love teaching younger males and love this sport. And [Lathers] is the kind of child that matched that keenness, which you donโt normally see in a 15-to-18-year-old child,โ Ark Metropolis Excessive College Head Soccer Coach Jon Weimers stated.
On the stadium Friday night time Weimers spoke to tons of of group members concerning the type of pupil, teammate and pal Lathers was earlier than they turned off the lights, lit candles and had a second of silence for 42 seconds.
Weimers stated he is aware of Lathers would have needed his staff to play Friday night time, however proper now, itโs nonetheless too contemporary. Thatโs why the Bulldogs determined to go well with as much as honor Lathers as an alternative. Weimers stated the group that confirmed up Friday night time is a real testomony to Lathersโ character.
โHeโs simply that kind of child. Heโs acquired that kind of impression, not simply on the soccer staff, however on the group,โ Weimers stated. โIt clearly confirmed tonight. HIs household, his buddies, buddies of buddies and simply people who knew him round right here, itโs actually type of cool to see the group come collectively.โ
Copyright 2021 KWCH. All rights reserved.
Source link