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Ryne, No. 44 forever
(by PETER GIUFFRA - October 30, 2008)
The many candles on the sign in front of Montclair High School in honor of Ryne Dougherty reveal the beauty that is Ryne and what he means to the MHS student body. Nothing ever like this has happened in our town in my lifetime and the response of our student body has been filled with extraordinary passion, and caring, and emotion. There is no script of what to do in such a horrific moment, and the high school community has reflected a touch of the better angels that lie within.
Thursday p.m., at Woodman Field, a co-ed has a homemade shirt on which is neatly written a tearful, profound message: "Ryne #44 Forever" that brings a tear to me and yet it captures how one can attempt to understand this tragedy.
Friday p.m., on returning from a visit with my mother-in-law, I pass by the high school and witness the most profound gesture of the student body: a candlelight vigil where there are hundreds of students and players in their football jerseys solemnly facing the sign which is festooned with tributes to Ryne.
The game on Saturday has a surreal, almost indescribable feel. The moment of silence before the game’s onset, the No. 44 on helmets, hats, shirts are so evident in the sea of Mountie supporters. The four fingers on each hand being raised by Mountie fans and players at critical times in the contest suggests so emphatically Ryne’s presence in everyone’s heart. The joy of victory is tempered by tears of many players.
All that is included above in response to this tragedy is generated by the students and players of MHS. Much credit and respect are due them, and indeed "Ryne #44 Forever" says it all.
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