During a brief ceremony before the start of the MHS varsity soccer game on September 11, 2024, Mendon High School senior Colden Forney was awarded jersey # 9 for the second year in a row, in honor of alum Todd Pelino who was killed on 9/11 while working at the World Trade Center. Forney was selected by unanimous vote from both teammates and coaches.

The handing down of Pelino’s jersey number is a tradition that carries on the memory of Todd Pelino who was a standout soccer player known for his scholarship and leadership, both on the field and off.

“The awarding of the #9 jersey recognizes a player’s leadership and ability to make those around them better,” said Mendon varsity coach Mark Hurley. “It is given to the person the coaches and players believe to be the ideal teammate. Colden is the definition of that,” said Hurley.  

In the history of this tradition that started in 2002, there have only been two other Mendon players to wear the "Jersey of Honor" for two seasons: Peter Hill (2004, 2005) and Steven Suozzi (2006, 2007).