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Playing for Emily

Scoreboard didn't say it, but attitude at game did: Community is moving on

Fernando Quintero, Rocky Mountain News

Published October 4, 2006 at midnight

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BAILEY - The final score was Colorado Springs Christian School 35, Platte Canyon High School 27.

But for residents of this tightly knit mountain community, the football game was deemed a victory in their attempt to move on with their lives, one week after a deranged gunman took the life of one of their own.

Pink ribbons were tied to reflector posts at the entrance to town and signs made by students were posted in honor of Emily Keyes, the Platte Canyon student who was killed Sept. 27 by Duane Morrison, a 53- year-old drifter who held several students hostage before killing Keyes and himself as police stormed the classroom where they were being held.

Many at the game dedicated to the slain 16-year-old wore pink ribbons proclaiming "Practice random acts of kindness," a request included in the first message from the Keyes' family following Emily's death.

Students, teachers, family and friends braved biting cold, rain and even a brief hailstorm to support their team.

"This is our first real opportunity to heal," said Renee Corbino, whose daughter, Summer, sported a homemade T-shirt with an iron-on image of Keyes and the words, "In loving memory of Emily Keyes," on the back.

"Emily is still in our hearts. I wanted to do something to show people different ways we can remember her," the younger Corbino said before running to the sidelines to root for her team.

"Come on Huskies!" she yelled.

"This is good for our community," said Madge Parks, a school bus driver bundled in a blanket in the stands. She said she started driving Emily to school when Keyes was in the third grade.

"It's still hard. It's only been a week. And then Pennsylvania brought it all back," she said, referring to the gunman who killed five girls in an Amish schoolroom Monday.

Parks said there were about twice as many people as usual attending Tuesday's game. That included a group of about 20 high school students and teachers drove up from Conifer to show their support.

"People want to show their support. That's what we're all here for. Not just for the players, but for the community, too," said Mark Garner, a Conifer resident who jumped to his feet and cheered loudly when Platte Canyon scored a touchdown just minutes into the game.

The game's public-address announcer, Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener, whose son, Ben, plays running back and defensive back for the Huskies, began the game with a dedication to Keyes.

"It's not often young men are called upon to play for something that is more than the game itself," he said. "Today, these boys are lending a hand to help bring healing to our community."

As the school band played The Star-Spangled Banner, local VFW members Richard Miller, 74, and Richard Price, 56, hoisted the American flag.

"It's time to move on," Miller said. "People need to let these kids grieve in private and move on."

After the game, parents and friends hugged the sullen-looking Platte Canyon players as they walked off the field.

"They're still winners," said Renee Corbino, as fellow parents nodded in agreement.

After the contest, the team presented the game ball - signed by the players - to Keyes' father, John Michael Keyes.