Long Beach Wilson’s players are doing their best to cope with the loss of their star player, Isaiah Williams. The team has been on a tear recently while managing to keep its composure in the midst of adversity.
The bereavement definition is a term that is used to describe the loss of someone close. It can be caused by death or separation.
(CBSLA) – LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – The coronavirus epidemic has affected everyone, but the Long Beach Wilson High School football squad has been particularly affected. This year, the infection claimed the lives of two players, one of whom died in September.
Now, the squad is attempting to unite in order to play for a larger good while simultaneously grieving the death of two community members.
READ MORE: A North Hills hit-and-run crash that killed an infant boy in a stroller is seen on video.
“It began in late 2020, going to the hospital on December 29, and we had no clue it was going to be this severe,” senior tight end Joshua Scott said.
Joseph, Scott’s father and a former USC football player, died in January.
“We got to see him for one day on January 25, but he was still drugged, so we didn’t get to speak to him,” Scott said. “We received the call that night on the 26th that he had passed.”
Scott thought it was an easy choice to continue playing when his father passed away.
“I knew I wanted to keep playing,” says the player. “I’m sure he’d want me to,” Scott replied. “It’s ensuring that I was pleased and that he would be happy if he were still here.”
Scott wasn’t the only one who was affected by tragedy; his colleague, Tito Harper, was also affected.
“It was my birthday, and my mother was already ill with COVID, since I, my brother, and my mother all had COVID,” Harper said. “She had a series of issues, and eventually she couldn’t breathe or whatever.”
Scott Meyer was appointed as Wilson High’s new head football coach in May, after serving in the same role at Lakewood for the previous two seasons.
“I wasn’t here for Josh last spring, but he had some wonderful coaches and teammates to help him get through it.” But it was difficult this autumn with Tito,” Meyer remarked. “It was very terrible, and we just tried to love him and support him as best we could.” [Harper] had some wonderful teammates and family members who were there for him, but it was undoubtedly a tough circumstance.”
READ MORE: A Man Was Killed and Two Others Were Injured In A Violent Gardena Crash
During this tough period, Harper talked about how important football has been to him.
“When it initially occurred, I was depressed since I hadn’t played in a long time. “I was quarantined for about three weeks and then I got COVID,” Scott said. “Now it’s getting better because I’ve been able to get more active in order to participate in the game and all that, but it’s getting better.”
Harper, like Scott, rushed back to the football field as soon as he was able after getting the illness.
“Tito wanted to come back immediately away and be among his teammates and coaches,” Meyer added. “He came back to us very fast, and we just wanted to let him know that we’re here for him and that we’re here to assist him with anything he needed.”
The Woodrow Wilson Bruins have had a terrible start to the season, going 1-7, but Scott and Harper have more on the line than simply winning and losing.
Sports, according to Harper, allow him to “release the rage that you have out on the field.” It’s similar to counseling.”
Scott agrees, emphasizing the necessity of locker room communication.
“Finding a few buddies on the team to connect with has been extremely essential, and it’s been emphasized that if you’re going through anything, speak to each other,” Scott said.
Meyer is pleased of the camaraderie his squad has developed in his first year as head coach, despite their losing record.
MORE NEWS: Carson Residents Say the Strong Stench Is Getting Stronger
“When you have that connection, being a part of the team is important,” Meyer added. “Within the team, you have camaraderie and friendships, so it’s been beneficial for everyone.”
Related Tags
- 12 stages of grief
- poems to comfort the grieving
