Kentucky Assistant Football Coach, John Schlarman Dies at 45

Tragedy struck the University of Kentucky's football team as their beloved assistant coach, John Schlarman, died at 45. Schlarman died after battling cancer for two years.

The University of Kentucky has announced the sad passing of its football team's assistant coach, John Schlarman, who died on Thursday, November 12, after a long battle with cancer.

Reacting to Schlarman's death, the University's football team head coach, Mark Stoops, prayed that his late friend's wife and kids would be able to go through the difficult time.

Stoops described Schlarman as an honest, fair, tough, and respected person, adding that Kentucky football would not be the same without him. Stoops also reassured that Schlarman's legacy would never fade.

He said that the late football coach was a fighter, and the University will strive every day to honor his warrior spirit. Schlarman has been struggling with cholangiocarcinoma since he was diagnosed with the disease in the summer of 2018.

However, just like he did in his days as a Kentucky football player, he battled against the ailment. Despite his health struggles, Schlarman remained committed to the University of Kentucky's football team, continuing to coach while undergoing countless treatments.

Riles was shot and killed on the night of Saturday, November 7, in Forth Worth, Texas.

He served as a source of inspiration to the players and everyone else around him and did not miss any game until the team's recent contests. His last appearance on the sidelines came on October 17 at Tennessee, when the Wildcats emerged winners.

Stoops, acting as though he knew the future at the end of that game, presented Schlarman with the game ball. Schlarmann was a former All-Southeastern Conference Offensive Guard at the University of Kentucky and was named its offensive line coach in 2013.

He helped to rebuild the University's football program and was a perfect fit for the job, helping the Wildcats to break numerous school records in the last four seasons, among many other eye-catching exploits. Schlarman is survived by his wife, LeeAnne, and their kids, Joseph, Benjamin, Matthew, and Evelyn.

Before Schlarman's passing, the tragic death of former Ragin' Cajuns football receiver, Al Riles, was announced. He was the University of Louisiana's leading receiver in 2017, scoring 60 catches for 729 yards and two touchdowns.

Riles was shot and killed on the night of Saturday, November 7, in Forth Worth, Texas. He was 27 years old. A GoFundMe account was established to raise funds to assist with his funeral expenses.

Meanwhile, action returns to the NCAA this weekend with mouthwatering contests set to take place. Some of the best week 11 college football picks include the games between Notre Dame and Boston College and Michigan's clash against Wisconsin.