The Blue Valley High School community continued to come together on Friday by gathering on the football field and holding a T-shirt sale two days after the passing of popular head football coach Eric Driskell.
#BVSTRONG community continues to come together following death of coach Eric Driskell. T-shirt sale for family today pic.twitter.com/29HfZsABAs
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) February 17, 2017
A look at some of the memorials for coach Driskell. Last one is at 50yd line of football field. #BVstrong pic.twitter.com/P6VjklQEj8
— Tom Dempsey (@KCTomDempsey) February 17, 2017
Driskell, who started serving as head football coach in 2010 and won two state championships, passed away on Wednesday following a weekend brain aneurysm.
On Friday, parents sold T-shirts near the football field to raise money for Driskell's family.
The T-shirts were black, the same color Driskell was often seen wearing, and had a slogan Driskell frequently told his football players, "Live like a champion".
"It wasn't just that he was a coach. These kids loved him like a father," explained Blue Valley Touchdown Club member Christine Kinney, who helped organize the T-shirt sale. "The reason we moved our kids to live in this district is so they could play for Coach Driskell."
Parents told 41 Action News that Driskell was a supportive mentor to students and athletes, and he "made time for anyone."
Organizers said around 5,000 shirts were sold this week and some customers called in from other states to show their support.
"It was unbelievable seeing the number of emails we've been getting from all around the country that want t-shirt sent to them," explained Kinney. "They just want a little piece. They're alumni, they played for him, or went to school with him."
The sale brought out large crowds on Friday afternoon, including some who said they had never met Driskell.
"When times are tough or in good times, Blue Valley district is always there to help out," said parent Teresa Van Horn. "Hopefully, (Driskell's family) can be happy and get some kind of happiness seeing how much he was loved by so many people."
Later on Friday, the football field lights were turned on in honor of Driskell.
A memorial was set up at the 50-yard-line, and students were seen gathering around it on Friday night.
Several football players were also seen playing at the same site where Driskell coached them to many wins.
Blue Valley High School Athletic Director Matt Ortman told 41 Action News that the idea to turn on the lights stemmed from students.
"I had a bunch of the senior boys come and talk to me about wanting to do it, since it's Friday night lights," he explained. "Football is a big part of our community, so they came and wanted the lights to pop on Friday at 7 o'clock, which is the typical start time."
More events are scheduled for this weekend to honor Driskell.
On Saturday, a memorial service will be held for the late coach at 11 am at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.
The football team also plans to hold a sleepover on the football field on Saturday night.
While the days following Driskell's death have been tough, the Blue Valley community hopes to show the unity the late coach brought to the school will live on.
"We just love him," explained parent Marsha Waldron. "We're going to miss him. His spirit will live on. His words will live on."
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
