The Millikan football community has been mourning the loss of longtime team mom Heather Tuggle, who passed away in December of cancer. The Rams are making sure she’s never far from their minds while on the field this year, as they are wearing HT decals on their helmets in her honor, as well as a patch on their jerseys.
“She was everything to our program,” Pellum said of Tuggle after her passing. “She started volunteering seven years ago when we took over the program, managing the daily needs, the communication, while capturing all of the photos on the sidelines on Friday nights. And as everyone would say and know, Heather also gave the best hugs.”
At the Rams’ home opener two weeks ago, they held a moment of silence in honor of Tuggle, who was referred to as “the heart and the soul of the Millikan football program.”
The team is also holding an empty bench open at the northwest corner of the stadium in her honor at all home games.
Many players considered Tuggle a second mother, and said she was constantly making sure their grades were in check while also ensuring they were taken care of, from rides home to everyday support.
“She was more to us than just a team mom,” said three-year defensive end Peyton McCutcheon. “She was always there when we needed her and she always made sure everyone on the team was good. She was always at the school making sure we were on top of our stuff. She was the first person that greeted me when I transferred, and she’s the reason we were able to call Millikan home.”
