Number 59 is not just any number.
For the Hawks football team, it now has a significant and sentimental meaning. Starting this fall, that jersey number will be worn by a selected lineman to honor the memory of former player Kaiden Allen, who died in a car accident this summer. This year senior Julien Tobey, who starts as left guard, was selected to wear the number.
Athletic director Josh Gibson made the announcement at the Watermelon Supper in a special recognition of Kaiden’s life.
“One, the reason we came up with this is that we’re going to honor his jersey as opposed to retiring it because I think a lot of times people’s stories die when they die, and we don’t do a good enough job honoring folks,” Coach Gibson said. “And so with Tobey we can keep Kaiden’s story alive by honoring a player who’s gone through some trials but has not let that hold them back.”
Coach Gibson said Kaiden started his sophomore year on JV, missing practice and on the verge of getting kicked out of the program. A meeting with the coaches flipped a switch in Kaiden, and he moved to JV starter, then varsity backup. Within five weeks of their conversation, Kaiden was starting on varsity and contributing to the team.
“By the end of the season, he was the only sophomore who was selected unanimous all district player that year,” Coach Gibson said.“From there, he just kept growing. By his senior year, his teammates selected him as a ‘heart and soul man.’ He had great belief in his teammates and in us.”
Julien also grew exponentially, coming from a similar background to Kaiden. He started and played almost every snap on JV as a sophomore, preparing him for his starting role his junior year. Now in his senior year, he looks to play an even bigger role in the offensive line, honoring the number he was given by how he plays.
“I mean, it’s the last ride,” Tobey said. “It’s time to do something with everything we’ve been working for, and I’m proud to have this number working behind me for my football season.”
Though the tragedy this summer left a deep scar in the community, Kaiden’s memory is honored on and off the field.
“The parallels of their lives, of overcoming adversity in spite of their circumstances is awesome.” Coach Gibson said.