Family, friends and teammates of Collin Sather, who died Feb. 26 after complications with stage four kidney cancer, gathered together in Millwood, Washington, Friday afternoon to remember his life.
Treena Sather-Head speaks about the life of her son Friday afternoon.
Hailey Stewart | Argonaut
Sather, who played for the Idaho football team, was described by his mother as someone whose identity was steeped in athletics.
Among the crowd of hundreds, members of the Idaho football team and Vandal athletics offered their support for the Sather family.
“He was just a special young man that touched everybody he was around. He made everyone a better person,” said Idaho Head Coach Paul Petrino, who attended the memorial service. “He lived life the way you’re supposed to live it: with passion to be the best he could be at everything.”
A signed football from Army to honor Collin Sather’s life.
Hailey Stewart | Argonaut
During the service, Sather’s mother, Treena Sather-Head, asked Paul to name the team’s annual award for inspiration after her son. Moments later, Paul publicly agreed.
“His identity was definitely an athlete. He put everything he could into it, not just for himself but for his coaches and teammates,” Sather-Head said. “That was his focus, to inspire people. For an award to be passed around in honor of him, that is incredible.”
Idaho quarterback Mason Petrino attended the service with his father and teammates and said while Sather never saw action in a game for the Silver and Gold, his contagious energy was felt every day in practice.
“During our difficult season, he was someone the guys looked to for encouragement, for joy. I just miss him,” Mason said. “The kindness, toughness and loyalty he showed I attribute to his parents. They’re great people.”
Service attendees signed the #SatherStrong sign outside the Millwood Presbyterian Church Friday afternoon.
Brandon Hill | Argonaut