BATON ROUGE - Earlier this month, LSU opened its season at the PMAC by playing a tribute video to Wayde Sims. His parents, Wayne and Faye, were also presented with a game ball and the flag that flew in the PMAC for more than a decade.

Thursday night, Sims high school honored the forward by immortalizing his number 44. It will be the first jersey in any sport retired by U-high.

“This is something we’ve always planned on doing. No one has worn 44 since he graduated and no one ever will,” said U-high coach Joe Spencer. “It’s just a shame that he can’t be here obviously.”

Instead, Wayde’s parents accepted the honor.

“Today was is a little emotional,” said Wayne Sims, Wayde’s dad. “It kind of strikes back bad memories and sad thoughts.”

But Wayne says knowing his son’s jersey and his name will be remembered at his former high school forever, is humbling.

“For them to recognize him like that, it’s very very special.”

Wayde was named the 2014-2015 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the year and won three state championships during the Cubs' three-peat from 2014 to 2016.