Kentucky O-line coach Schlarman dies at age forty five

Kentucky offensive line coach John Schlarman died Thursday after a prolonged fight with cancer. He modified into as soon as 45.

Schlarman modified into as soon as cherished by his avid gamers and fellow coaches. He served as an inspiration, given the style he persevered working through his diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a uncommon cancer of the bile ducts, bigger than two years previously. He hardly passed over a convention, shuttling help and forth from Lexington to MD Anderson Most cancers Center in Houston to obtain treatments.

Drake Jackson, a extinct offensive lineman, told ESPN in March that Schlarman modified into as soon as — and remained — the funniest particular person in the constructing.

“He has a charisma and a piece ethic all coaches try for,” Jackson acknowledged. “He’s correct a total particular person. It be no longer faux. It be no longer man made.”

Kentucky coach Impress Stoops echoed those sentiments. Feeble offensive coordinator Neal Brown advised he hire Schlarman, a aged Kentucky player, when Stoops modified into as soon as forming his inaugural teaching workers bigger than seven years previously.

Stoops acknowledged Schlarman’s nickname, “The Mountainous American,” modified into as soon as a testament to how successfully loved he modified into as soon as.

“I’m heartbroken to study about the passing of my friend, John Schlarman,” Stoops acknowledged in a inform. “My prayers exit to LeeAnne and the youngsters, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew and Evelyn, through this very advanced time.

“John modified into as soon as the whole lot we all try to be — factual, tricky, gorgeous, revered. Kentucky football will no longer be the equal without him but his legacy will by no contrivance proceed. He modified into as soon as a fighter and we can try on on each day basis basis to honor his warrior spirit.”

Fellow assistant Vince Marrow told ESPN in March that “John Schlarman is my hero.”

Schlarman’s offensive lines had been among the most convenient in the SEC. They had been semifinalists in 2016 and 2019 for the Joe Moore Award, which is given to the nation’s prime offensive line.

“The UK Athletics family is in deep sorrow on the passing of John Schlarman,” UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart acknowledged. “Within the route of the final two years, he has been a fabulous inspiration. He taught folks stay and showed all of us what it solution to be mettlesome.

“John modified into as soon as a super husband and father, trainer and chief. He will be remembered for the admire he had for his family, his dedication to his avid gamers and his excellence as a coach. Our prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his family and all who knew and cherished him.”