Marcus Freeman Memorial Invitational 2011

Deric Thomas, a North Port High sophomore, runs in heat 2 of the 100-meter run against Out-of-Door Academy's Mark Marcello and DeSoto County's Jonathan Richardson. Thomas was running for former teammate Marcus Freeman, a sophomore who was killed in an automobile crash Tuesday. The North Port Invitational Track and Field Meet was renamed the Marcus Freeman Memorial Meet. STAFF PHOTO / DENNIS MAFFEZZOLI (via HeraldTribune.com Prep Sports)

This one was special as Marcus Freeman wore #8 and was slated to be in the 100m, they did a special heat #8 and put him in lane #8. His friend wore his jersey #8, and stood holding his blocks. They fired the gun and the entire place was dead silent, moment of silence. It might have only lasted 12 seconds but it felt like 12 minutes. Then the announcer said to cheer him on… then everyone started clapping as you can see in the video. It was a tough night for North Port!