Uvalde High School continued its heartfelt tradition of honoring the 21 lives lost in the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting. Head football coach Wade Miller explained that instead of retiring the number, the program keeps No. 21 active as a living memorial.
Team‑wide vote selects senior Cory Luevanos
Each year, teammates vote for the senior who best embodies the spirit of the community to wear the honored jersey. “We asked the kids what they wanted to do, and the consensus was to give it to a senior who represents the town,” Miller said. After a unanimous vote, senior Cory Luevanos earned the privilege.
A personal tribute
For Luevanos, the honor carries deep personal meaning. His brother, Jayce Luevanos, was one of the 21 victims killed at Robb Elementary. “I was honored and grateful to represent everyone — all the people and all the lives that were lost,” Cory said.
Coach Miller made sure the Luevanos family was consulted first. “They were excited and emotional at the same time, because they really wanted me to get it,” Cory recalled. Miller added, “They were excited for Cory and excited for the opportunity.”
Community support and future games
The No. 21 tradition has expanded beyond football, now appearing in every sport at Uvalde High School as a game‑day reminder of the lives lost and the community’s resilience. “Everybody knows Cory, and everybody loves Cory,” Miller said, noting the senior’s popularity both on and off the field.
Luevanos expressed his commitment to the team and the town. “I’m friends with everybody. Nobody sees me as a bad person, so even if I’m on or off the field, I’ll always be there cheering them on,” he said. He added, “Being on the field just makes me happy. Football is the sport I love the most, and being on the field just makes me feel good.”
Looking ahead
The Coyotes will close the regular season with a home game against Floresville on Friday at 7 p.m. Luevanos said he will attend future games regardless of whether he is on the field, emphasizing the lasting impact of the jersey. “I’ll feel pretty emotional. Either way, if it’s my last game, I’ll still go to every single game and watch everybody that gets to wear No. 21,” he said.
As Uvalde continues to heal, the No. 21 jersey stands as a symbol of unity, remembrance, and the enduring strength of a town that has grown closer through shared tragedy.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
