On a warm Friday night, the stands were packed, the band played, and the school district honored the Gamble family. On the backs of the scoreboard in either end zone is the now infamous quote from Aaron Gamble “It’s not about me, it’s about the ‘G'” Fans and faculty wore shirts with the quote proudly displayed on the back.
During the pregame festivities, Tara and Dacie Gamble handed the game ball to Bulldog Head Coach Chris Young. Coach Young was hired with Aaron back in 2000 to be coaches under then head coach Ronnie Peacock. As most know now, Aaron Gamble and his son Landry passed away on June 18 as a result of an automobile accident. It is a loss that has affected the school and community of 10,000 deeply.
At halftime of the Varsity game, it was announced that Aaron’s number 84, as seen on the Bulldog on the end zone scoreboards, would be permanently retired at the conclusion of the 2021 Football season. Current Senior Wide Receiver Luke Brewer wears the number 84, and at the request of the Gamble Family, will continue to do so until the season’s end. During the game ball presentation and the number retiring at halftime, the crowd gave a standing ovation on either side of the stadium.
The number 84 joins 25 as the only numbers to be retired at Greenwood. Twenty-five was worn by one of Aaron Gamble’s favorite targets in the 1995 season when the Center turned QB, helped then WR Kris Weible average 23 yards per catch, setting a National record the following season.
Midwest Sporting Goods donated helmet decals to honor Aaron Gamble. Designed by Kristin Aishman, each grade displays the sticker on the back of the helmet.
