“I’ve never seen a community come together so much,” said Northwestern first-year girls basketball coach Robyn Heaton.
Tami, 41, was an avid sports fan who was extremely well liked around the area.
Several players from other schools, including Kenton Ridge and West Liberty-Salem, came to the viewing on Jan. 20, as well as the entire Greenon squad, which had the team bus stop at the funeral home before its game at Tecumseh.
The school postponed its girls basketball game with Tippecanoe on the night of the viewing.
“You never realize what you have until something happens to bring it all out,” said Katie, a senior guard. “It’s great to know that everyone cares and that everyone has big hearts. I really appreciate it.”
“(The support) was awesome,” said JoAnna, a freshman guard.
The Warriors girls basketball team also had a bake sale to help their teammates with funeral expenses.
“The maturity and love they showed for each other,” said Heaton, “words can’t express it.”
The sisters said they were overwhelmed by the support from both their teammates and the community.
“It’s nice knowing someone is always going to have your back and stand with you through hard times,” Katie said. “(Coach Heaton) has been like a big sister more than a coach for me the last couple weeks.”
Heaton said she’s proud of the sisters for not giving up, not only in basketball, but everything else. It would’ve been easy to shut down after such a tragic loss.
“They’ve worked 10 times harder than I’ve seen either of them work, and they both are hard workers. They’ve never been lazy,” Heaton said.
“I’m proud of them. They’ve taken it on with responsibility and maturity. I’m glad they have each other, too.”
Even in tragedy, the Byrum sisters are looking for positives.
“It teaches you to live your life to the fullest, even though you’ve heard it before and you’re like ‘OK,’ ” JoAnna said. “Well now, it’s become a reality.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.
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