Kentucky football honors late OL coach John Schlarman in moment that’ll give you goosebumps (Video)
Kentucky football paid tribute to their fallen offensive line coach John Schlarman by leaving the left guard spot vacant in his honor.
Kentucky football is in mourning this week after the passing of offensive coach John Schlarman who died on Thursday after a battle with cancer.
To honor his life, legacy and lasting impact at Kentucky football, the Wildcats opened their game against Vanderbilt by leaving the left guard position vacant.
We took a delay of game penalty to begin the game in loving memory of @CoachSchlarman 💙
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 14, 2020
Then @Landon_Young_67 stepped on the field wearing #65 in #SchlarmanStrong honor https://t.co/NT2QmVikY7 pic.twitter.com/VmIPKSM9o5
#65 - @Landon_Young_67 #SchlarmanStrong 💙 pic.twitter.com/sxBmjyyDe7
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) November 14, 2020
Prior to the game, SEC Nation paid tribute to Schlarman with a segment featuring Kentucky football head coach Mark Stoops and some of the players Schlarman coached during his time in Lexington.
John Schlarman is gone but never forgotten.
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 14, 2020
His legacy and impact at @UKFootball will live on forever 💙 #SECNation pic.twitter.com/MKgPKqjSeO
“I’m heartbroken to learn about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman,” said UK head coach Mark Stoops. “My prayers go out to LeeAnne and the kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very difficult time.
“John was everything we all strive to be – honest, tough, fair, respected. Kentucky football won’t be the same without him but his legacy will never fade. He was a fighter and we will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit.”
Schlarman received the game ball from Stoops after his final game on the sidelines during the team’s win over Tennessee on Oct. 17.
“The UK Athletics family is in deep sorrow on the passing of John Schlarman,” said Mitch Barnhart, UK Director of Athletics. “Throughout the last two years, he has been an incredible inspiration. He taught people how to live and showed all of us what it means to be courageous.
“John was a great husband and father, teacher and leader. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his dedication to his players and his excellence as a coach. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family and all who knew and loved him.”
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