South Carolina football program honors Dutch Fork player who died
The South Carolina football program paid tribute Saturday to a Dutch Fork High School player who died earlier this year.
USC tight ends coach Erik Kimrey, a Dutch Fork alum, presented a No. 60 Gamecocks jersey to Kelly Alkhatib, the mother of the late Jack Alkhatib a senior Silver Foxes offensive lineman and a two-year starter who died after collapsing at practice on Aug. 24.
The gesture took place Saturday before Saturday’s Class 5A championship game at Benedict College’s Charlie W. Stadium.
Dutch Fork has dedicated its season to Alkhatib and has honored him with various tributes throughout the season. The team’s helmets still feature a No. 60 black decal, and plays run onto the field before each game waving a giant No. 60 flag.
Dutch Fork players went up to Kelly Alkhatib before the game Saturday during pre-game before they headed back to the locker room.
Jack was named the school’s homecoming king at halftime of the River Bluff game on Oct. 16. His mom, Kelly Alkhatib, was presented with the crown. She also went through senior night ceremonies for Dutch Fork’s final regular-season home game against Lexington.
“Jack was just a great kid as well as a good football player,” Dutch Fork Tom Knotts told The State this week. “He didn’t do anything wrong. It was hard not to like the big old teddy bear. We dedicated this year to him. We miss him and we hope our play can honor him.”
This story was originally published December 4, 2021 at 4:58 PM.
