LOCUST GROVE, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The family and football family of Forest Jones gathered on Thursday. It was one year since the teen died of heat stroke.
"I have never seen a young man have an impact like he has," said Coach Clint Satterfield to the group
The team wore their jerseys for their teammate.
"It's been a year and he's still touching people," said Glenn Jones, Forest Jones' father.
Last year, Forest Jones collapsed at football practice and he later died of heat stroke.
"Hopefully, nobody has to go through what we're going through," Glenn Jones said.
This year new rules went into effect to protect high school players from the heat.
"From what I've been hearing, they've been doing a lot and I am glad they're doing a lot," Glenn Jones said.
What happened to the 16-year-old is never far from the thoughts of his team either.
"We are taking precautions like we did with him. It was an unfortunate tragedy," Satterfield said.
"It's hard because we like had a couple of guys not really pass out, but fall out because of heat exhaustion, but the coaches are on it a lot more this year," said Nathan Hensely, a player.
"We're more cautious when we practice, but I think it makes us practice harder because we know any day could be our last," said player Keenan Wise.
Glenn Jones introduced his grandson named Forest, in honor of his son, to the team. Everyone released balloons in a silent tribute the 16-year-old who made a big impact on their lives.
The Wildcats retried Forest Jones' jersey number last year. The team said they will play this year's season in honor of Forest Jones, as they did last season. They break every huddle by yelling his name.
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