By: Severn Zieman

The Mohawk Mountaineers hosted a celebration of life for former student-athlete Meagan Byers before Wednesday's game against the Humber Hawks.

The former member of Mohawk's softball program tragically passed away on December 6, 2021. The ceremony included the Byers family who spoke about Meagan's life and threw a collective ceremonial first pitch. Many former Mohawk softball players and coaches who knew Meagan were in attendance.

After the touching ceremony, Mohawk's co-head coach Erin Forman believed that the large crowd and emotions before the game played a part in the Mountaineers slow start on the diamond, which saw them lose 16-0.

"The girls were a little nervous, normally there's only a few people here ... and now the stands are full." said Forman.

Mohawk will play their final home games of the 2022 season on Oct. 13 when they host the Conestoga Condors at Mohawk Sports Park for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. games.