Thursday marked the start of fall sports for Lincoln East High School as the Spartan football team squares off against Millard South.

But it's also a day for looking back and remembering a star Lincoln East athlete, killed in a car accident nine years ago. It was 1991 when Jason Rose stepped onto the Lincoln East campus, and by his graduation in 1995 he'd racked up several awards and become a favorite both on and off the track.

But in 1999, Jason lost his life in a tragic car accident. Now, nine years later his family, friends and school are honoring his memory by dedicating a memorial.

Explosive out of the blocks, Jason Rose is remembered at Lincoln East for running away from the competition.

"He was well known, not just for his gift of speed, but his willingness to work hard and to accept whatever came," said his mother Patti, remembering her son.

He's also remembered as the young man who lost his life on an icy Wyoming highway before his time.

"Jason was our son and he was killed in a car accident in 1999, and it was hard," she said matter-of-factly.

Since then, Patti Rose and her husband Phil have been trying to decide how to honor Jason's memory. Then, one day it came to Patti out of the blue. An inspiring statue, carved by Jason's favorite artist, Jay Tschetter, embodying the spirit of competition Jason loved most would be the perfect memorial.

"You train, you work, you sweat and then it's time for the event to start, and we're hoping this will inspire all the athletes at Lincoln East," Patti said.

Jason's sophomore year was his best, winning several city championship events. But a hamstring injury robbed Jason of his explosive speed revealed his true character.

"He was pleased to see other runners do well. At one time he coached a junior high team and it just made him so proud to see his kids; he called them his kids, run and win," Patti said.

And now, Jason Rose can watch his kids-- forever.

"I know that Jason is pleased," said his mother staring at the sculpture. "I know he's pleased his friends are here and thinking of him."

The statue was dedicated at the traditional pre-game pep-rally.

Patti said Jason's life has already inspired two friends to name their children after him and she says it's a great joy to know her son will inspire generations of Spartan athletes to come.