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Campbell University Holds Memorial Service for Wrestler

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The Campbell University wrestling team mourn their lost teammate.
BUIES CREEK — Hundreds gathered Thursday at CampbellUniversity to say goodbye to a freshman who died of a heart attack lastweek. Billy Saylor's quest to lose weight for a wrestling match may havecontributed to his death. but the service was not about blame. Itwasabout remembering a classmate, teammate and friend. AbnerSuarez, a wrestling teammate, spoke at the service.

What words could not express, was evident in the outpouring of emotionby students. Saylor, 19, died of a heart attack Friday while preparing forhis first college wrestling match. Campbell President Norman Wiggins saidSaylor was too young to die.

Saylor was remembered as a popular, spiritual with a lot ofpersonality, who was devoted to family and friends. He was also an honorstudent and a champion wrestler. Campbell Athletic Director Tom Collins said Saylor was determined to be the best he could be.

Saylor's wrestling coach, Scott Miller, said Saylor worked for histeam.

Saylor's teammates braved the cold and rain to set flowers at amemorial on campus.

The wrestling team traveled to Saylor's hometown of Wellborn, FloridaTuesday for his funeral.

Campbell administrators say they plan to review the wrestling team'straining guidelines.

Photographer:Joe Frieda

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