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Grief, as the community is finding, does not follow a linear path or a pre-set schedule. It arrives in unpredictable waves, often triggered by the smallest of reminders: an empty locker, a stray whistle, or the sight of the stadium lights flickering on at dusk. There is a concerted effort among local leaders and school counselors to emphasize that there is no “correct” way to mourn. Some teammates have found solace in gathering on the 50-yard line to share stories of his legendary humor, while others have retreated into a quiet, personal reflection. The goal in the coming weeks is to provide a soft place for this grief to land, allowing every individual the space and time to process the loss at their own personal pace.
