CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Two months ago, the Clarksville community lost a beloved high school basketball player, Cam Ward.
The 17-year-old was playing pickup basketball with friends when he had an unexpected medical emergency.
His loss hit hard, and it's still felt today.
"Man — when I say this whole city loved Cam ..." said Dontrez Cutno, Cam's summer basketball coach.
He said Cam was a natural on the court, shooting for Division I basketball, but he was also a kid who wore his heart on his sleeve.
"Every time I see him, 'What's up coach?' Every time he leaves, 'Love you, coach,'" he remembered.
His mother, Jessica Ward, said that's just the kind soul Cam was.
"He wanted you to know that he loved you, every time," she said.
"One of his goals that he said the year before was he wanted to leave a legacy," she went on.
He did, indeed, leave a legacy.
Not only will he always live on in their hearts as a special and talented person, but his mother said Rossview High School also created a scholarship in his honor. It was gifted to his best friend this month.
Cutno said he wants to craft another scholarship through his traveling basketball program called the Cam Ward Elite Scholarship.
"The way he showed love to people, I want people to feel that," said Cutno.
Dontrez adds he is working on a "Back to School" bash in Cam's name to provide school supplies to kids for free.
It’s a sad reality that area animal shelters and non-profit rescue organizations face constant overcrowding -- with so many dogs, cats and other animals waiting for a forever home. Jason Lamb reports here that Metro leaders are working with those groups – including Critter Cavalry – to find solutions. I’ve fostered a dog from Critter Cavalry, so I understand the need is great. And I found my pup Domino through another local group, Proverbs Animal Rescue. Ultimately, it starts with all of us. Getting more dogs and cats spayed or neutered can help control the pet population – and ease the burden.
-Rhori Johnston
