Recalling their own

Deirdre Newman

Friends and family of Matt Colby -- a Costa Mesa football player who

died after a game on Sept. 28 -- paid tribute to his spirit and

celebrated his legacy at a memorial on Monday night.

A football field at Orange Coast College provided a fitting setting

for the emotional event.

It was the second memorial in less than a week for the popular

defensive linebacker. Last week, Estancia High School -- where Colby

attended for three years before transferring to Costa Mesa High -- hosted

a speak-out, giving students from both schools a chance to express their

grief.

At Monday’s memorial, Colby was again remembered as a mature,

passionate and positive individual whose friendly disposition put

everyone at ease.

“He had the world’s biggest heart and a desire to be the very best,”

said Dave Perkins, Colby’s coach at both Estancia and Costa Mesa high

schools.

Katherine Saulnier, whose daughter Elizabeth is a Costa Mesa

cheerleader, said she came to the memorial to show her support for

Colby’s family.

“I wanted to let his parents know we’re here, we love them and we’re

grieving with them,” Saulnier said. “My daughter’s been crying every

night since this happened, and she hardly even knew him.”

Colby’s family members acknowledged how touched they have been by the

strong outpouring of support from both the Estancia and Costa Mesa high

school communities.

“All the support has made a difficult time easier. I don’t know what

it would have been like without it,” said Deron Colby, Matt’s uncle.

Deron explained how the name “Matthew” means “gift from God,” and that

he admired how easy it was for Matt to live up to his name.

“He truly gave many gifts to his friends, his team, his family,” he

said.

Colby’s grandfather, Mike, said Matt continues to give to others

through organ donations. Although doctors at UC Irvine’s trauma center

also tried to save his heart for transplant, they were unable to do so.

Mike Colby said that was because Matt was saving his heart for all the

people who were close to him.

“I’m convinced that Matt knew where his heart was going,” Mike Colby

said. “I’m convinced you all have a small part of his heart. So wherever

you have fears, close your eyes, think real hard, see his wonderful smile

and his beautiful eyes and hear him say, ‘I’m here with you, you can do

it.”’

* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .