ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB/Gray News) – A high school football player from Louisiana is being remembered for his infectious smile and selfless attitude after his tragic death over the summer. As games start up again, his teammates have dedicated their season in his memory.
Michael Laborde, a rising sophomore student-athlete at Holy Savior Menard High School, died after suffering a seizure July 4, his parents say.
”We had a wonderful family barbecue… We sat around talking football and eating and having a great time. They watched the Boston Pops on TV, and Michael had a seizure playing video games with his cousin,” said Michael’s mother, Stephanie Laborde.
Wearing No. 61, Michael played center for the Menard Eagles football team, who say they are dedicating this season to “living like Mike.” Teammates say the 15-year-old was a positive light who always made people feel welcomed and put others before himself.
“He was just one of the best teammates you could ask for. He was going to focus on you to make your day better no matter what… He needed to have you cracking up. He left a great legacy,” said Lane Evans, a senior center for the Eagles.
Matthew Hicks, a senior wide receiver/safety, described Michael as an “ideal player.”
“He always wanted the best for the team and just wanted us to succeed. He always lit up the room. I don’t have a single memory of Michael not having a smile on his face,” Hicks said.
Connor Lacombe, Michael’s cousin and a freshman center, says at their last dinner together, Michael said the team would go 9-1 this year. By dedicating their season to him, the team says they are ensuring Michael is still with them during every practice, game and event.
“Well, with the 61 on our helmet, it feels like he’s with us. I know he’s with us at all times. I know he’s out there at practice right now. He’s going to be with us in every game, in every practice, in every scrimmage, everything,” Lacombe said.
Coach David Perkins says it’s been great to see the team come together and support Michael’s family in the wake of their tragic loss.
“They want to make sure we don’t forget Michael and make sure we’re doing things to include him — and not just weekly but daily,” Perkins said.
Cutter Knowles, a senior wide receiver, says Michael “always gave it his all.”
“No matter if the coaches were yelling at us or getting on to us, he was always there doing whatever he could to be the best he could,” Knowles said. “We have 61 on our helmet. Even when things get hard during the game, we just got to remember that it’s for Michael, and we can’t quit.”
Sawyer Brown, a sophomore defensive end, says Michael was his best friend.
“Football was his life. He loved school, and to wear 61 with our helmets and just to represent him is the greatest honor I could ever have in my life,” Brown said. “He’s never gonna get another down. He’s never gonna get another day in school. So, I just can’t take it for granted no more, and it’s the best way that we could pay tribute to my best friend.”
Michael will forever be remembered through the stories and memories told by his family and friends.
“Every time with him is a story,” Lacombe said. ”Just every memory. And every time I was with him, just something better would happen.”
As the Eagles start their new season, Michael is surely flying high and cheering his teammates on.
