Video: Karr remembers fallen teammate, celebrates on National Signing Day

NEW ORLEANS – The mixed emotions filled the gymnasium Wednesday at Edna Karr High School.

At the dais were seven senior student-athletes set to announce their college decisions, following three of their teammates to signed in the early period in December.

In the audience were their teammates, all part of a program that has had the most success in Louisiana over the last decade, one where failing to make the Class 4A championship game two months ago was a major surprise.

In the wings was their leader, Brice Brown, whose multi-faceted job includes head coach, mentor and father figure, among other tasks.

Wednesday was a celebration, but also a remembrance of what happened in their community just a week ago, when junior two-sport athlete Keyron Ross was killed in a drive-by shooting in Algiers.

“The changes we have to go through, living in this city,” said Brown, “it’s tough to get two good days in a row.

“I talked to Keyron’s mom this morning. We’re still supporting her as much as we can.”

Before the seven Cougars made their way to the podium to announce their decisions – which included five players staying in state – the group prayed for healing, strength for the family, strength for the students, faculty and staff.

As a junior, Ross’ time on the dais on National Signing Day was still 364 days away. Brown said he had a chance to play two sports in college, as a defensive lineman in the fall and a catcher on Karr’s baseball team in the spring.

Defensive lineman Kells Bush, who will join fellow defensive lineman Tygee Hill at LSU next year, had a framed picture that included Ross next to his seat on the dais.

“I know Keyron would have wanted to be here today,” Brown said. “A lot of his (fellow defensive linemen) signed in this class.”

In the same place where Wednesday’s celebration of Signing Day took place, many of the same people in the room will gather again on Feb. 12 to celebrate the life of Keyron Ross.

“He was an exceptional player,” Brown said, “but even most importantly, he was an exceptional young man.”

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