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Fourteen
ACHS honors alumni Andrew Wade and retires his number 14 at a moving ceremony.
September 10, 2014
Fourteen represents Antioch Community High School. Fourteen represents an athlete’s soccer jersey. Fourteen represents Andrew Wade.
On Tuesday, Sept. 9, ACHS honored one of its alumni by retiring his soccer jersey number: 14.
His name was Andrew Wade.
On a beautiful, September night under the lights in the stadium, a moving ceremony was held at center field honoring one of America’s own fallen soldiers. The boys Varsity soccer team wore red, white and blue jerseys sporting the name ‘Wade’ on their backs. The atmosphere was beholding due to the amount of respect that ACHS gave to Wade and his family. At halftime of the soccer game against North Chicago, Wade’s family was welcomed onto the field to receive his jersey.
As known within the walls of ACHS, Wade went out of his way to do everything. Wade was a hard worker and an outgoing person, but he never wanted anything in return. As a further act of his great character, Wade decided to enlist in the Army, leaving in 2008. He served in the United States Army for three years before passing away in Afghanistan in 2011.
Charlie Trout, Wade’s head soccer coach during his years at ACHS, said, “Tenacious. He was strong-willed and tenacious. He was part of soccer teams that still hold records. He was part of the back to back conference championship team.”
Wade’s mother, Liz Wade, said, “I never thought it would have ever happened to him. I didn’t know how much it meant to everyone and for [ACHS] to retire 14 means a lot. I knew that the memories will live forever, but I didn’t know it would be this big of deal.”
The Sequoits did not disappoint the Wade family as they beat the Warhawks 2-0.
Junior and left back defender Jordan Keller said, “It put a lot on our season. With an honor that big at the beginning of the season, we’re not only playing for ourselves anymore, we’re playing for Andrew.”
ACHS is very proud to have Wade as an alumni as he left a lasting impact on Antioch. Wade’s impact on ACHS proves what it means to be a Sequoit. He was outgoing, he was strong-willed and he was tenacious. Wade’s number may not be worn again, but his legacy will continue to be a part of ACHS forever.
