Fleming Island football player killedBy HAYS CARLYON and LAMAR THAMES Fleming Island’s football team is grieving following the death of standout middle linebacker Wesley Whiddon, who is the son of a Clay County school principal. Whiddon, who was killed Wednesday night after being struck by a train, was one of the Golden Eagles’ top talents on and off the field. As a junior, Whiddon recorded 175 tackles and forced five fumbles last season as Fleming Island reached the Region 1-5A final. Whiddon is the son of W.E. Cherry Elementary School Principal Angie Whiddon. “Wesley was our poster child of what we preach to our kids about being,” Fleming Island coach Neal Chipoletti said. “He was the heart and soul of our football team. He started at middle linebacker for us since the day he walked into school and was our defensive captain. He was so passionate about football and was a true, old-fashioned mike [middle] linebacker. “Off the field, he worked hard in school. Wesley was all the things you would want in a player representing your school.” Whiddon and two others — Clinton “David” Matthews, 18, and Richey Pickett, 17 — were apparently fishing on a railroad crossing at Black Creek about 8 p.m. Wednesday when a train approached. They all jumped form the track but Whiddon didn’t make it in time, officials said. Fleming Island is currently nearing the end of spring football practice. The team had roughly a week left before the spring game. After much soul-searching, Chipoletti has decided to continue spring drills. “My first reaction was to cancel spring and let us start back up in the summer,” Chipoletti said. “Wesley was the type of kid, though, who would’ve been irate if we didn’t practice. His mother insisted that we get back out there. I think it will help our kids to be around each other. We’ll take a couple days off and then return to the field. We’re going to finish up spring and play our game in his honor.” Fleming Island will travel to Nease on May 22. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Related: MyClaySun's blog | login or register to post comments | printer friendly version | Tags: fleming island | football | just in | whiddon
Submitted by MeMaw on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 12:34pm.
My heart goes out to this family. So very, very sad.
Submitted by Marsha on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 12:56pm.
One of the boys who was injured is my best friends son. I can remember my fear of living in OP South with that trestle so close and constantly being worried that my kids would ignore the rules about going back there. I was told the young man killed was a good kid, bright future ahead, my heart breaks for his family. It also aches for the two boys who lost a friend, witnessed this sort of horror and the Conductor on that train. My prayers for comfort and peace are with them all. Submitted by sissydi on Thu, 05/15/2008 - 2:28pm.
My son was on the team, and was one of Wes's good friends. Wes was at our house often, and I consider him one of my boys. He was a great kid, passionate about the game, and gave 100% at whatever he did. He was honest about everything, and had a great sense of humor. This is such a tragedy. A special thanks to all the coaches and parents who showed up at the hospital to support the kids. RIP Wesley. Your memory will live forever in our hearts, Mrs. P. Submitted by godoggo on Fri, 05/16/2008 - 6:54pm.
Our prayers, thoughts, condolences to the family and friends of Wesley Whiddon who's life was cut short this week. My wife and I live in Orange Park and have three children (two in high school and one out of college)...........I can't imagine (and don't ever want to) what the family is going thru at this time. I don't even know Wesley or his family , but when I heard the news on the radio I cried in my car. The outpouring of love from everyone, including students from Fleming Island High School, other local high schools, complete strangers, and of course those closest to him is truly a testimony of how much this young man impacted the lives of many. I hope and pray the family is provided peace, comfort, strength, and love by God and those around them now, and into the future. I would ask that everyone say a prayer for Wesley and his family during these tough times. Take a little time out of your day each and every day to lift up the Whiddon family with your prayers.
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What an absolute tragedy. So young. My condolences to his family. One hardly knows what to say.
May the other young man recover soon.
Mike Heemer