LOGAN — Corey Kissling won’t be on the sidelines or in the stands watching his former Logan Chieftain football teammates this fall.

But rest assured he’ll be around in mind, memory and spirit and will have a safe, secure place in their hearts and souls.

Kissling, who earned Division II All-Ohio honors last season as an undersized — yet tough and ferocious — senior linebacker, died tragically two months ago when he fell through a hotel window while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The accident occurred less than two weeks after he graduated from Logan High School in early June.
His uniform number 45 has not been retired — no LHS number in any sport has ever been retired — but although you won’t see any varsity or junior varsity player wearing it this fall, you will see “45” just about everywhere you look in his memory.

The Chieftains will wear a “45” sticker on the back of their helmets to remember their fallen teammate, who was also a friend and leader to many Chiefs who will take the field this season.

And in a very classy show of sportsmanship and respect, the Marietta Tigers will sport a purple and white “45” sticker on the back of their helmets as well when the Tigers host the Chieftains Oct. 3 at Don Drumm Stadium. Don’t be surprised to see other Chieftain foes follow suit and make gestures to honor his memory as well.

Memorial magnets (pictured left … reply to email

ck45memorymagnet@aol.com for more information) are available for $4 each in his honor, with proceeds going to the Corey Kissling Memorial Scholarship Fund.

There will be a moment of silence in his honor prior to Friday’s season opener against Lancaster.

No, you won’t see the number “45” on a Logan varsity football jersey… but you will see his spirit embodied among his former teammates, friends, family and fans.

Read More in the Logan Daily News.