Morgan State football, and family, still mourn Marquese Meadow

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Benita Meadow is still mourning.

In the 364 days since the death of her son, Morgan State defensive lineman
Marquese Meadow, she and her 13-year-old daughter, Calista, have continued to grapple with the loss of a son and brother. Benita Meadow also has had to take care of her parents, who have fallen ill.

"My emotions are still very much new," said Meadow, 41, who lives in Southeast Washington. "They're here. The loss of my son has definitely affected my entire family. My parents have become critically ill, and with me, there's an everyday process for me to move forward."

It has been almost a year since Marquese Meadow died Aug. 24 of complications related to heatstroke. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound freshman's death at the age of 18, which was ruled accidental by the state's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, continues to linger around the Bears program.

Meadow's locker in the Hill Field House locker room used by freshmen and sophomores remains unchanged. Rising sophomore nose tackle Dalonte Jenifer is wearing No. 90, as Meadow did last year, and the back of every player's helmet still bears a sticker with the number. Several players said they will play this season in Meadow's honor.

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