Greenon pays tribute to student athletes at football home opener

When Greenon High School student-athletes David Waag and Connor Williams died following a car crash in August, a community came together.

Given the athletic field was where both boys spent many days, Greenon’s football home opener Friday night against Triad proved an appropriate place to honor Waag, Williams and their families before the game.

Waag was a senior and three-year varsity soccer player and Williams, a sophomore who took classes at Global Impact STEM Academy, was a running back and linebacker on the football team.

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Teammates from both squads participated in the tribute. The families were presented flowers, the coaches lit candles in remembrance and released balloons just past the west goal post. Each athlete presented a single flower to the respective families along with hugs.

Jerry Williams, Connor’s father, said having the support from the community has been important for his family’s healing and Friday’s tributes were another step.

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“This has been really special for the community and friends we’ve had come together for us. Knowing how much love and support we’ve received has been helpful,” he said.

Another heartfelt gesture was Knights’ defensive back Luke Downing donning Connor’s former jersey number – 25.

“I’m so glad he’s wearing it,” Williams said. “A bunch of these kids stayed at our house and were good friends of Connor’s.”

Also during the tribute activities, Greenon athletic director Adam Billet was presented a framed hero card on behalf of NASCAR. Earlier in the week, the Waag and Williams families were invited to attend a NASCAR race at Kentucky Speedway next weekend .

The school previously held a candlelight vigil and funeral service after the boys passing.

Billet said the school wanted to do what it could to support the families.

“Talk about a community coming together. Things like this have made us stronger,” he said.

The Knights snapped a 32-game losing streak with a 42-35 win.

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