All Ryne wanted was to play football at Montclair High School. The doctors had cleared him, who knew tragedy awaited? Our hearts collectively go out to his parents, others who knew and loved him. As we now know too well, he wore the number "44."

Another Montclair player wore that number a few years ago. Defensive end Gary Green was the star of the Mounties 2002 championship victory. The next year while playing at the University of New Haven, tragedy also struck on a kickoff play which left Gary with a paralysis. He’s still an avid supporter of the Mounties and endeavors to live his life with the same grace and dignity he displayed on the field of play.

Only the number "17" can be seen on the field box above Woodman Field, the number of the great Aubrey Lewis. It is a testament to a great athlete, to great championship teams. It must now be joined by the number "44."

At the church during the funeral of Ryne, those in attendance were asked to cheer in this celebration of his life as if Ryne had just stopped a Bloomfield ball carrier on the 2-yard line in the final second to win a game. Those there cheered with all their hearts.

All Ryne wanted to do was play. No one ever played better for the Mounties than Gary. Retire the number "44."

When we are asked about the number "44," let’s not just tell of tragedy, or how one so young died, but rather of the courage of the young men who wore the number, and how they lived.