Updated 02/08/2012 10:37 AM
Friends, Teammates, Lacrosse Community Honor Tyler Kopp
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It was certainly a tough day for those who knew Tyler Kopp. Classes at Twelve Corners Middle School were dismissed early to give Tyler’s classmates and friends a chance to grieve at home.
While many chose to do just that, Tyler's lacrosse teammates decided to honor his memory by playing the sport he loved so much.
Kopp's junior lacrosse club team returned to the indoor field at the Total Sports Experience Tuesday night. Kopp's team asked YNN not to take any video or still pictures of the game, and we honored their request.
The Pink Flamingos were given an emotional standing ovation when they took the field. It's an outpouring of support that made its way to Facebook. “Prayers for Tyler and his family" was created by Phillip McDonald and Mindy Mangan. Both have sons who knew Tyler well.
After Tyler's injury Thursday night, they asked the community to stop and pray once a day for his recovery. Now they're asking the 600 members of this page to continue to pray for the Kopp family.
Both describe Tyler as an empathetic, down to earth superstar. McDonald told YNN “I'm proud my son was his friend. I'm proud my son was his teammate."
Tyler's teammates on both of the club teams he played for have put his initials on their helmets. Tyler would have joined the Brighton High School JV lacrosse team this year.
Many in the tight-knit lacrosse community who knew Tyler have been asked not to speak about Tyler on camera, out of respect for his grieving family, but those that spoke off camera said they want everyone to know what a great kid Tyler Kopp was.
If you're wondering, the Pink Flamingos did win Tuesday night an emotional victory over Penfield.
Calling hours to celebrate Tyler's life will be held Thursday, 4-9 at the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Ave.). A memorial service will be held Friday, 11 AM at Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. A youth oriented celebration of Tyler's life for the various school and sports communities affected by his passing will be held on Monday, February 13th, 7:00 PM at the Linehan Chapel on the campus of Nazareth College. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brighton Lacrosse Club, 160 Whitewood Lane, Rochester, NY 14618 or your favorite youth sports organization.