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Danvers sports teams honor Colleen Ritzer

ANDOVER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – The Danvers High School football team and cheerleaders planned to honor beloved math teacher Colleen Ritzer Saturday.

A moment of silence was planned and the cheerleaders released balloons before the team's game at Winthrop. The players also donned stickers on their helmets in honor of Ritzer.

The tribute was held one day after another emotional memorial in Ritzer's hometown.

The Danvers and Andover girls field hockey teams met Friday evening, a matchup between the school Ritzer taught at and the one she graduated from. The teams rarely ever come face-to-face.

"Andover and Danvers don't normally play each other," said Danvers field hockey coach Jill McGinnity. "This year we're on the schedule and it happened to be tonight…"

McGinnity said she believes the matchup may actually help her girls heal.

"My girls – she was their mentor," said McGinnity.

"Here's to you Ms. Ritzer," the PA announcer spoke before both teams released some three dozen pink balloons in honor of the woman many call an "inspiration."

McGinnity said the field hockey team were working to pay Ritzer's message of kindness forward. They put a book together of their memories of Ritzer and presented it to her siblings who attended the game.