NM Daily Lobo 01 25 16

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DAILY LOBO new mexico

The Independent Student Voice of UNM since 1895

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App Store January 25, 2016 | Volume 120 | Issue 38

Memorial held for football player Markel Byrd

Nick Fojud / Daily Lobo / @NFojud

Members of the Lobo football team bow their heads as speakers tell stories of Markel Byrd Sunday afternoon in the SUB Ballroom. Incorporated into the memorial service was an opening prayer and several slideshows featuring Byrd.

Community gathers to honor fellow Lobo By Chirrisse Bryce Owens

Nick Fojud / Daily Lobo / @NFojud

Lobo defensive backs stand onstage at Markel Byrd’s memorial service Sunday afternoon in the SUB Ballroom. The defensive backs along with Byrd’s family members and coaches took the stage to remember him.

Hundreds of people gathered Sunday afternoon to celebrate the life of student-athlete Markel Byrd, the Lobo football player who died in a car accident in December. Among those in attendance was head football coach Bob Davie, the first person to speak and share his memories about Byrd. Davie remarked on the turnout for the memorial, which was held in the SUB Ballroom, saying it’s a confirmation of the impact Byrd, and his loss, has had on the entire community. Davie spoke highly of Byrd as a player, calling him absolutely fearless. In 40 years of involvement with college football, Byrd was as unique a young man as he’s ever been around, he said. “He was never afraid to make a mistake on the football field, and that is why he was such a good player,” he said. Davie spoke about how jersey number 22 would no longer be worn for the rest of what would be Byrd’s collegiate seasons, amounting to the next two years. He also commented on Byrd’s drive to wear

number 1 on his jersey, something Davie said his players have to work to earn, both in the classroom and as a member of the team. Also in attendance was Byrd’s family, who had traveled from his hometown, San Diego, to attend the memorial. Of the family member’s in attendance, only Byrd’s father William spoke on the family’s behalf. He expressed how much the loss of his son meant to him and how it will never compare to anything else. “He’s in a better place and there is nothing I can say or do to change that,” he said. “But one thing I will do is, I will learn to live with it. Because I know God doesn’t make mistakes.” Slideshows highlighted Byrd’s impact on the field, as well as a video in which several Lobo players shared memories of Byrd, with the common theme of a joyous, funloving and upbeat individual. Many others spoke at the memorial sharing their thoughts and memories of Byrd, including his teammates. All of the team’s defensive backs were called up to the stage, and three players shared

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