Patriot H.S. Sports Teams Honor Former Classmate

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By Olivia Rinaldi Patriot High School's student body, “Red Nation," wore navy instead at a basketball game Jan. 6 to honor the death of former classmate Josh Morrison.
Morrison passed away Jan. 3 from injuries sustained in a car accident on Christmas. Immediately after the tragic incident, students took to Twitter to find ways to remember Morrison. They decided that students would dress in navy colors to recognize him. The stands were filled with parents and students in navy.
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“I loved the idea and thought it was a great way to honor Josh by doing something different at the game as opposed to the usual red. Josh really pioneered the idea for ‘Red Nation’ the first year our school was built. Everyone looked up to and loved Josh, so honoring his life in such a way seemed fitting,” senior Hayden Bardorf said.
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A moment of silence was held at the beginning of the game for Morrison.
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“During the moment of silence I broke down into tears because Josh and I were cool with each other. I’m going to keep playing for him because he is one of the creators of ‘Red Nation,'" junior basketball player Isaiah Sharp said. "I play for that student section because without them, I wouldn’t perform at the level of intensity that I do."
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The baseball team plans to commemorate Morrison and his contributions to the baseball team as well.
“The plan is to present his parents with his white home jersey at our first game,” said varsity baseball Head Coach Sammy Serrano. “It’s my plan to get his camo jersey that he loves framed for the press box.”
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Members of the baseball team plan to dedicate this upcoming season to Morrison.
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“This season will most definitely be dedicated to Josh and his family. He was always a motivator to the rest of the team and he will continue to push us to be better everyday,” varsity baseball player Eric Sloper said.
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Serrano hopes this tragedy will ultimately inspire his team.
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“I think it’ll give the kids some perspective, focus, and help them play with a chip on their shoulder. They are very driven. This will only benefit them and their work ethic,” Serrano said.
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