A final goodbye from Goerke

Metro Wire Staff

The lights at Goerke Field were turned on at 8 p.m. on April 25, a tribute to SPASH football coach Matt Heilman, who died on March 20 due to complications after surgery.

Head Coach Pete McAdams posted the intended tribute on the school’s Gridiron Club Facebook page.

McAdams and several other coaches came together at the football field on Wednesday night to remember Heilman, some in silent reflection. Players were asked to not gather, though some did in the stadium parking lot, gazing fondly at the field.

“Matt was a wonderful teacher, coach, and person who we will miss dearly,” McAdams’ post read in part. “The greatest tribute any of us can give is to let the positive influence he had on us live on through us. If you drive by and see the lights on Wed [sic] night, let it serve as a reminder of Coach Heilman.”

The lights remained on for 37 minutes, one for each year of Heilman’s life.