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Remembering Coach Driskell

By Chad Rader, 810 Varsity, 02/15/17, 7:00PM CST

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Former coaches, teammates, media pay tribute

Driskell, 43, Impacted Many

Blue Valley head coach Eric Driskell has passed away at 43 on Wednesday, four days after suffering what turned to be a fatal ruptured brain aneurysm late Sunday. The funeral will be held Saturday at Church of the Resurrection.

Wife Kari Driskell posted on Facebook:

The world is a better place because Coach Eric Driskell was a part of it.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that Eric Driskell has officially left this world on February 15th at 4:53pm.

Even in his passing he still is giving to others; giving the gift of life through organ donation.

The outpouring of love has been overwhelming and felt by all. Stories of his impact on your lives have been so uplifting in this difficult time. Thank you for those.

Please continue to pray for our children"

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Driskell graduated from Blue Valley high school, playing on the 1991 state title team before playing at Baker University. Driskell returned to BVHS and eventually took over the Tigers program. 

His coaching career simply was amazing, winning the Kansas Class 5A state championship in his first season as head coach. He also won the state title in 2013, as well as three other state runner-ups, including the last two Class 6A title games in 2015 and 2016. Overall, Blue Valley amassed a 71-18 record and five title game appearances in the seven seasons under Driskell.

 

How to Donate

The donation fund set up by the BV Touchdown Club:

Click here to donate to the Coach Eric Driskells Family Fund

The community is welcome to stop by the BVHS football stadium on Friday, February 17, from 3-5 pm to purchase T-shirts at $20, with 100% of profits benefiting the Driskell family.

Remembering Coach Driskell

Below are statements remembering Eric Driskell from former teammates and coaches at Blue Valley, Baker University, area coaches and media members.

"My relationship with Eric Driskell goes mucher deeper than as his coach, his boss or his friend. I have known the Driskell family for more than 30 years. Knowing his Dad, Dave and his mother, Marylyn it is easy to understand the man that Eric became...he embodied all of the best qualities of both of his parents.  Marylyn was the sweetest, most giving person I've ever met.  Dave is a devoted fan, father and friend, who lives to help others. You put those to people together and you have Eric Driskell.  He always had time for any and everyone.  He was incredibly loyal to all the friendships he developed. And he had a passion for life. It was evident in the way he coached and lived. We've spent a lot of time together in the past 7 years. I always felt better just being around him..."

- Steve Rampy
Blue Valley head football coach (1985-2009)
Pittsburg State offensive coordinator (2010-Present)

 

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"Eric's love of family, community, and his players is evident in the culture and success of the Blue Valley football program. Watch any of the game films and you will see it over and over:  Love of the game, devotion to each other,  and pride in their school. Eric was a great coach and an even better man. I join the Baker football family and the Blue Valley community in praying for Eric and his family."

- Pat Richard
Baker offensive coordinator (1992-94)
Oak Grove head football coach (Current)

 

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"Not only was Eric Driskell one of the best football coaches I've ever had the pleasure of covering, he was an even better person. The first question out of his mouth when we'd see each other on the sidelines before a big game would be to ask me about my daughters.

He did that moments before what was one of the biggest games of his career in the state semifinals this season against SM East.

His career had so many memorable moments, but I'll never forget that game and the way the Tigers rallied to win on what was one of the gutsiest calls I've ever seen. He could have kicked an extra point to tie the game and send it into overtime, but instead he goes for two and calls a throw back screen that was run to perfection.

Kansas City lost a good one today, and I'm honored to have had an opportunity to witness his greatness and more importantly his kindness and sincerity firsthand."

- Jeremy Crabtree
ESPN's Senior Recruiting Writer

 

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"Coach Driskell was a great coach/friend/husband/father. When I became head coach in 2012, I reached out to Eric to talk about moving from an assistant to head coach. He went out of his way to visit and answer any questions I had.

Over the years, we had some great football games against Blue Valley. Coach Driskell was the same no matter the outcome. He was respected by all EKL coaches and a huge presence in the GKCFCA. He will be missed by all."

- Jon Holmes
Bishop Miege head football coach

 

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"Eric was as hard of worker on the field, in the weightroom and during off-season drills as any other teammate I can remember. And off the field he was an outstanding guy in the classroom as well as a friend. His coaching legacy has been second to none, just as his work ethic was in college. My prayers and thoughts."

- Tim Sheldon
Baker quarterback, 1993-94 

 

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Driskell's Coaching Record

Year Record Result  
2010 12-1 Class 5A State Champion
2011 12-3 Class 5A Runner-Up
2012 6-5    
2013 10-3 Class 5A State Champion
2014 9-2    
2015 10-3 Class 6A Runner-Up
2016 12-1 Class 6A Runner-Up