By PAUL GOTHAM
MENDON, N.Y. — Ty Wilkes didn’t live through the 9/11 attacks that occurred 18 years ago, but the Pittsford Mendon senior will carry on a tradition that honors the memory of former Vikings soccer player Todd Pelino who perished on that day in 2001.
“This is amazing,” Wilkes said after being selected to wear the No. 9 jersey worn by Pelino during his career at Mendon. “I never expected this when I first started. I will wear this with a lot of pride and hope to be the teammate Todd was.”
Mendon head coach Mark Hurley presented Wilkes with the jersey during a pre-game ceremony Wednesday night on the 18th anniversary of those attacks.
“This jersey will serve as a daily reminder for me to be the best teammate I can be, best player I can be,” Wilkes added. “Be there for my teammates; be there for my coach and serve the team as best I can.”
Former Mendon head coach Joe Borrosh started the tradition in 2002 after the tragic death of his former player.
“I’m so proud of Mark for continuing this tradition,” said Borrosh. “From day one he bought into what it meant to me and what it meant to a lot of the townspeople. To see it continue like that. I’m thrilled about it.”
Originally, Borrosh considered retiring the No. 9 jersey worn by Pelino during his three years on varsity from 1983-’85. Instead of having the jersey hang on the wall, the hall-of-fame coach felt the uniform could be better served as a reminder in hopes that future players follow the model of Pelino’s work ethic displayed on the field.
#9 #NeverForget https://t.co/Vbf1Bqybb7
— Pittsford Athletics (@PCSDAthletics) September 11, 2019
“Everybody out there knows of Todd,” Borrosh said referring to the impact of the honor. “I think everybody would like to be chosen to wear it. The players chosen have always been proud to wear it and they’ve always worn it with dignity. I feel good about it.”
Pelino was 34 at the time of his death and working on the 102nd floor of the World Trade Center. He left behind a wife and two children.
“It puts more of an emphasis on my desire to stay disciplined and true to my teammates,” Wilkes said of the importance of the honor. “Try to be a role model on and off the field for the people who are here currently and the people who will come after.”
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