Emotions were running high when the number 10 uniform worn by former Braves quarterback Trevor Zuehlke was retired at halftime of the Britton-Hecla football game with Hamlin on Friday night.
It marked the first time that a uniform number had been retired at the school. Zuehlke suffered a traumatic brain injury on the field in 2019 and passed away last year.
Members of Zuehlke’s family and several former B-H gridders who played with Zuehlke, gathered on the field to honor the former QB.
Zuehlke’s coach, Pat Renner, talked about his former signal-caller and clips were played from the state championship won by the Braves when Zuehlke, just a freshman at the time, pounced on a fumble in overtime to clinch the state title.
An interview following the game was replayed in addition to commentary of the final seconds of the championship game. Players from both squads knelt on the goal lines in honor of the athlete who has become a community icon for not only his play on the field but his leadership and passion for helping with youth programs while a player.
The Zuehlke family also established a foundation called Pass It On For Trevor that continues his legacy by providing funding and support for youth programs.
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(Editor’s Note: This is the talk that former Britton-Hecla football coach Pat Renner gave at the ceremony retiring the #10 uniform worn by the late Braves’ quarterback Trevor Zuehlke at halftime of Friday’s football game.)
A few years ago, back when I handed Trevor this #10 jersey, I knew there was something special about this freshman boy. But little did I know the true impact he would have on the sport, this community, his team, my life, and the lives of countless others.
At a very young age Trevor was gifted with the skills to lead - he did it well and he became respected everywhere for that. Trevor was never content with just being good, he wanted to be the best, and that attitude became contagious on his team.
His work ethic never quit and this never went unnoticed by his teammates. He was a force to be reckoned with every time he stepped on the field. When people around here see the red #10 it means something to them. It represents giving back. It means pass it on, and it means to be a good human! It was just what Trevor selflessly did without being told to.
His number will always remind us that life is not measured by how long we are here, but by how deeply we have touched the lives of others.
It is with great honor and tremendous love that we retired jersey #10 in memory of Trevor Zuehlke. His number will never be worn again but his legacy will definitely never be forgotten.
Team on 3. 1-2-3 Team.
