Clovis Ray '99, an inspiring defensive back and linebacker at Macalester from 1995 to 1998, was killed in Afghanistan this past spring while leading his U.S. Army infantry platoon in Kunar Province.  A memorial program will be held in his honor at halftime of the football game this Saturday (Sept. 8) when the college will dedicate the stadium flagpole in his honor.  Saturday's kickoff at Macalester Stadium is set for 1 p.m.

Clovis's twin brother Eddie Ray, who also played football for Macalester, will serve as honorary captain.  Clovis left behind a wife, Shannon, and a five-year-old son, Dean Aaron Ray.

According to former Marine and Macalester alum Andrew Borene '98, Clovis was an extremely positive leader on the football team.

“Clovis was aggressive, inspirational, and fiercely loyal—all the kinds of qualities that undoubtedly made him an ideal infantry leader, who could only have been loved by his men as much as he was by his football teammates,” said Borene. “He was also fearless. No one who played with (or against him) would ever question his courage. It is a significant loss for our nation, our college, our Fighting Scot football family, and most deeply Clovis's young wife and son.”