Daniel Hyde: A Knight to remember

Downey High honored one of its fallen heroes Friday night, retiring the No. 13 jersey of former quarterback-receiver Daniel Hyde during an emotional halftime service.

It will be the first football jersey retired in the school's 58-year history, officials said, and it coincides with the remembrance of 9/11 victims.

Hyde, also a former student body president and homecoming king, died in Iraq when his Humvee was hit by two anti-tank grenades in March.

A four-year football player, Hyde also played golf and basketball. He maintained a perfect GPA at Downey, said family friend Steve Finch, before graduating in 2003. He later graduated from West Point.

"I tell people that it was exhausting to be his mother, because Daniel was always on the go," Glenda Hyde said. "He was driven to do more, and do it better, each day.

"In one of my last conversations with Daniel, he was telling me all the things he needed to accomplish. I heard the same from his company commander, that Daniel was always willing to go harder."

The halftime ceremony was a little later than planned, because the varsity game started an hour late. The game was not over as of press time.

Daniel's mother was taken back by the show of support she saw at Hughes Stadium.

"It's emotional, knowing all these people are here to honor Daniel," said Glenda, who took part in the halftime event with husband Brian. "I was pretty numb during the funeral, so I don't recal a lot of what went on. I will never forget this night, though."

Hyde went to Iraq with the second platoon of the 25th infantry division. His platoon referred to themselves as the "Myrmidons," in honor of the Greek tribe revered for its bravery and skill under fire. They fought under the legendary Achilles and were the fiercest warriors in Greece, according to Homer's Iliad.

"(Daniel) was an example to the Finch family and one of the players who always stood out as a truly tough kid with class and poise," Finch said.

The Knights also will have Hyde's No. 13 affixed to their helmets in support of the men and women in the Armed Services at home and abroad.

"Once I realized Daniel was not coming home, it became easier for me to deal with," said Glenda, who noted that Daniel has a sister, 22-year-old Andrea. "I think of him now more than ever. He's in my mind every day, all day.

"My daughter is more laid back, more relaxed. Daniel, on the other hand, was very driven. They both did things a little differently, but I loved both of them just as much."

Daniel's parents have long been part of Downey. Brian was president of the athletic boosters for three years, and Glenda works at Downey and coordinates the cheer team.