The jersey and No. 49 of the late High Prairie Renegade player Johnny Linteris was retired during a ceremony on Sept. 8. Left-right, are St. Andrew’s School principal Marc Lamoureux, players Logan Jong, Riley Cox, Jarris Cunningham, head coach Trevor Jaycox, Brandin Bissell, Brendan Smith, Ethan Gladue, E.W. Pratt High School principal Neil Barry and vice-principal Brad Corless.

Richard Froese
South Peace News

The High Prairie Renegades retired No. 49 in honour of former football player Johnny Linteris, who tragically lost his life in July.

A framed jersey was dedicated to his school, E.W. Pratt, and to St. Andrew’s School before the Renegades’ home game Sept. 8.

Players from both schools play on the team in the Mighty Peace Football Conference.

“In honour of his spirit and his loyalty to this team, the High Prairie Renegades have retired the No. 49,” says Christine Bradley, president of the High Prairie and Area Football Society.

“This number will come out of retirement only when and if his little brother Alex decides to join the Renegade family.”

Linteris died in vehicle accident on July 29.

The Renegades are formally dedicating this season to No. 49.

“These memorials will be displayed in each school not only as an honour to his memory, but to remind all those faces in the hallways to be your best,” Bradley says.

“Try your hardest. Never give up. We all know that is how Johnny was.”

He was a young man every player and every coach would want on their team.

“He was a one-man cheering squad and an entire support system and he was a big brother on and off the field.”

Linteris was an essential part of the team since the beginning in 2015.

“He and his family could always be counted on to show up for the dirty work, the fun stuff and, of course, the fundraising,” Bradley says.

To his parents, Frank and Natasha, and brother Alex – “your loss is our loss.

“You will all forever be a part of our team and be in our hearts.”