by Dana Branham & Michelle Liu, editor-in-chief & managing editor

Crowds of students, parents and staff gathered into Tigerland Stadium tonight, as the sun was setting. Instead of the band’s usual upbeat tunes found in the stadium, Casting Crowns’ “There Will Be a Day” sounded over the speakers as the crowd of nearly 200 stood on the field in near silence.

Tonight, Consol came together for a more sobering event than usual in the football stadium—friends and family gathered in the center of the stadium, joining hands and hearts in a prayer vigil in memory of would-be junior Sydney Jeter, who passed away late Wednesday night.

Consol’s athletic coordinator David Raffield organized the vigil, and as the music cut off, Raffield stood in the center of the circle, holding a Bible to his chest and encouraging the crowd to share their thoughts.

“I have gotten to know a young lady through your stories,” Raffield said. “She’s in a better place right now. Doesn’t feel like it for us, but she is.”

Consol graduate and fellow soccer teammate Maddie Wilke led the crowd in the first prayer. Afterwards, Raffield called the girls’ soccer team together, forming a smaller circle in the middle. Tearfully, the girls held each other as Raffield continued to speak, then invited others close to take the center of the field and speak on Sydney’s behalf.

Those who spoke touched on Sydney’s commitment to family, love of soccer and devotion to God.

Aggieland Christian Church minister Marty Wilkinson added words of comfort and further elaborated on Sydney’s strong faith.

“Ask yourself the question: Am I ready to meet God?” Wilkinson said. “And Sydney was.”

For those wishing to pay their respects, the viewing will be held at Hillier Funeral Home on Monday, July 15.