Sports

Photo: Contributed - Okanagan Sun

Jeff Halvorson

No member of the Okanagan Sun has worn the number 34 since Jeff Halvorson in 2004.

The All-Canadian running back died September 1, 2004 while taking part in conditioning drills near the end of practice.

He was 21 at the time.

Following his death, Halvorson's number 34 was taken out of circulation by the team

His road white jersey remains framed in the Sun clubhouse while his home brown uniform is with the family.

At the urging of Halvorson's father Don, the number was not officially retired because Jeff wore the number as a fan of Walter Payton, who also wore 34.

It was also the number worn by his older brother Jason, when the boys grew up in Grande Prairie.

Don Halvorson felt if the number 34 had been retired prior to Jeff's arrival, he would not have been able to wear a number that was so important to him.

The Sun put the number back into circulation in 2013 with one stipulation.

The jersey must be worn by a captain to exemplify the standards of leadership and dedication to football and teammates.

Halvorson was a team captain at the time of his death.