Cascia Hall takes time Friday night to remember one of its own

A big basketball rivalry heated up the hardwood in Tulsa Friday night. The 2nd-ranked Cascia Hall Commandos hosted the 10th ranked Metro Christian Patriots. <br/><br/>It was senior night for the Commandos,

Friday, February 4th 2005, 12:28 pm

By: News On 6

A big basketball rivalry heated up the hardwood in Tulsa Friday night. The 2nd-ranked Cascia Hall Commandos hosted the 10th ranked Metro Christian Patriots.

It was senior night for the Commandos, their last chance to play in front of the home crowd. News on 6 anchor Terry Hood says the star of the game was there only in spirit.

Friday night would have been Aaron Halford's senior night. Aaron was an incredible athlete; he started for the Commandos, even as a freshman. Unfortunately, tragedy cut his life short. Aaron collapsed and died during a basketball game at Cascia Hall. Next week marks the 3rd anniversary of his death.

His jersey was retired and students pass a plaque honoring him every day. Friday night, more than ever, players, coaches, and fans were thinking about Aaron.

Senior Chip Blue: "He's part of this team. And there are little things. There's not necessarily the plaque, but there's little things. You see something that reminds you of Aaron. You remember something about Aaron, and I mean he's definitely still part of our team."

Cascia Hall coach Brian Rahilly: "We won a huge game at Holland Hall a few weeks ago and as I'm walking up the bleachers, a man was complimenting my team and he said, â€˜Just imagine if Aaron Halford was on your team.â€™ I just looked at him and said, "Make no mistake, Aaron Halford's on this team. He's a part of this team."

Coach Rahilly said they started the game with only four players. Aaron Halford was his fifth man.