It was an emotional night as hundreds from the LSU community gathered for a vigil to remember slain LSU basketball player Wayde Sims.
Among those in attendance were former football head coach Les Miles, former teammates Brandon Sampson and Reid Vial, as well as about 50 family members of the Sims family, the team and coach Will Wade.
The evening started with an opening prayer followed by speeches from Wade, Sims’ father Wayne and junior guard and friend Skylar Mays.
Sims remembered his son in a powerful moment, giving a direct message to the team to play for Wayde.
“One thing I can tell to these young men is to play your heart out,” Wayne Sims said. “Wayde would love to be here with y’all for this season but stay on track. The team is your family.”
Mays was riveting as he remembered his lifelong friend and why he always had a smile on his face.
The team will remember Sims by doing 44 reps of whatever the final drill is for that practice.
“There’s no doubt we’re playing for Wayde,” Wade said. “Other teams are going to have five guys, we’re going to have six.”
The evening concluded with teammates and family members releasing 44 balloons to the sky.

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Aurianna Cordero

Friends, family and students gather for Wayde Sims' vigil outside of the PMAC on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018.