@bcmemorial13 just visited this site. I met you a couple years ago: I’m the HS coach at Okemah. Brought a 12u team to one of your tournaments @ Choctaw and your told me a little about Brian and how they had played Okemah that day before. Loved the site such an amazing young man.
@CoachRoss1044 Thanks Coach Ross. I remember it well. Okemah @ Prague Districts 2005. All the Okemah players wore #13 on their Jerseys. Very special to us during a horrific time. It’s coming up on 14 yrs.
Brian’s high school was scheduled to play the Okemah Panthers on April 28, 2005 best 2 out of 3. It was district playoffs and the winner would move on to Regionals. Normally, Brian would ride with his mother (Anna) and his brother (Brad) to school daily. But on that day the high school baseball team was preparing for districts and would practice late after school. Anna & Brad had a church function to attend back in Shawnee after school so we let Brian drive to school on that day that led to his accident.
The above posting was from the now head baseball coach at Okemah. I met Coach Ross a few years back and talked about how appreciated we were to the entire Okemah team. During the 3 game series each player wore a ribbon with Brian’s #13 pinned to their jersey. Difficult times but it was a gesture that we will not forget.
April 28th was a very tough day for everyone but we know that Brian would want the team to play. A lot of things are still foggy during that time for me. I remember stopping by the game to support Brian’s teammates. As I was walking in Cody Forehand was at the plate and hit his 1st of 2 home runs on the day. As Cody crossed the plate he pointed to the sky acknowledging Brian. To this day when I reflect about that moment it does bring a tear to my eyes.
Prague would go on to win the district playoffs and lose in the regional semi-finals. When the final out was recorded the season had come to an end for many but never has ended for me.