Let’s start another Furman thread … this one to remember and acknowledge a fine young man who lost his life one year ago today. Gray Griffin had just played a few matches for Furman before his tragic accident, but you just knew he would be one of the great college soccer players, and most likely would have gone on to an outstanding professional career. Heading into college, Gray had been a leader at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC, was a two-time adidas NSCAA Youth and a two-time Parade All-America selection. On the youth national level, he was captain of the United States Under-17 National Team that competed in the 2001 World Championships in Trinidad and Tobago, and had been called in to one of the early U20 camps. And in his brief college career at Furman, he had started as a defender in all 12 matches and scored one goal and two assists. Gray was as great a person as he was a soccer player. I was fortunate to know him personally, but I did not realize the depth and quantity of other’s love for him until I heard person after person express their feelings, both publicly and privately, at the funeral service celebrating his life. Friends, fellow soccer players, coaches, and Gray’s parents spoke emotionally yet eloquently about Gray’s too short life. So pause a moment today (or whenever you read this) and remember Gray in your thoughts and prayers. Also remember those he left behind – his friends and fellow players, his coaches, and most especially his parents Al and Doris. Gray, may you continue to live through those you left behind.
Classy post ... also, credit to all of the Furman players who kept it together afterwards. Not many teams could've regrouped after that kind of tragedy.