On Sept. 19 the Bryan College Athletic Department lost one of its own. Former Bryan Lion men’s varsity soccer player Hayden Lavo, class of 2010, passed away in his sleep at the age of 26.
Lavo was a center midfielder for the Lions and played 39 games during his three seasons at Bryan. During his time, he was part of the 2007 squad that ranked number 8 in the final NSCAA National Ranking, the 2008 team that was the AAC regular season champion and the 2009 squad that won the AAC tournament and competed in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.
Lavo was named a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete twice and an AAC All-Academic Team member three times.
Prior to his senior year he married Callie Dirks. He went on to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in Exercise and Health Science and a Biblical Studies minor.
Men’s Soccer Head Coach Joey Johnson was the assistant coach when Lavo played and said, “[Lavo] was a center mid with a very strong left foot and could score from any distance. He had a good work ethic and always treated teammates well regardless of circumstances. He carried his character off the field and it made him a good husband to his wife and a good friend. He was well respected and appreciated by coaching staff, teammates, professors, and everyone on campus.”
During the Lions game on Sept. 24 against Truett-McConnell College the team honored Lavo by flying the flag at half-mast, placing his jersey (number 25) on the bench, wearing black armbands and taking a moment of silence before kickoff. Johnson also spoke a few words and expressed the impact Lavo made.
