TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

'We Want To Remember Him'

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

East Bay High School retired Ballenger’s jersey during a halftime ceremony Oct. 31. Those taking part include, from left, Scot Tipton, athletic director; John Watson; Janell Ballenger; Jennifer Watson; Sharon Morris, principal; Rex Ballenger Sr.; and Brian Thornton, football coach.

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2008

Updated:

GIBSONTON - Less than six months after the death of one of its own, East Bay High School ensured the memory of one of its students will live on for years to come.

On Oct. 31, the school hosted a brief ceremony during halftime of the Indians' game against Newsome to retire the No. 10 jersey of Rex Ballenger Jr.

"We're retiring his jersey because we want people to remember him and I think this will help" said Brian Thornton, the school's football coach.

Ballenger died in May from head injuries he suffered in a car accident at U.S. 41 and Big Bend Road. He was 18.

Nicknamed "Scooter," the 5-foot-9-inch Ballenger was a three-year starting quarterback for the school's football team.

"He was as tough as they came," Thornton said.

Scot Tipton, the school's athletic director, said the decision to retire Ballenger's jersey was approved by the school board about a month ago.

Ballenger is the first East Bay athlete to have his or her number retired.

Members of Ballenger's family attended the ceremony where Tipton showed them the glass-encased jersey that will be displayed in the school's main hallway along with a commemorative plaque.

Both will be placed with the numerous trophies celebrating the team's athletic accomplishments.

"We're very honored that the school is remembering Rex this way," said Rex Ballenger Sr., who attended the ceremony with his wife, Janell, and Rex Jr.'s two siblings, John and Jennifer Watson.

The family was also presented with a bouquet of roses from Sharon Morris, the school's principal.

"He was a terrific young man, and we're happy to help keep his memory live on," Morris said.

Coach Thornton agreed with that sentiment.

"We're going to be talking about him and telling stories about him for a long time," Thornton said.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT