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Updated: 11:42 PM Jul 3, 2010
Playing Through Heartbreak After Death of Coach
Young soccer players from 15 states are in Cabell County competing for a regional championship, but one team is dealing with heartache on top of their efforts on the pitch.
Posted: 11:24 PM Jul 3, 2010Reporter: Andrew Colegrove Email Address: andrew.colegrove@wsaz.com |
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4 Comments 
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Young soccer players from 15 states are in Cabell County competing for a regional championship, but one team is dealing with heartache on top of their efforts on the pitch.
Rhode Island Coach Joe Avila died of a heart attack in Huntington just hours before the tournament's opening ceremonies.
Although the coach's tenure with the kids came to a tragic and abrupt end, his life and love for the game will stick with his players forever.
"He touched so many over his 35-year career,” parent Tom Craven said, “literally thousands of kids who he'd coach in sports and in life."
The prominent coach won numerous titles at different high schools in the state throughout his career.
“He was a really well loved guy, always had a smile,” friend Julie Van Noppen said. “Every player felt cared for by him. He was just a wise coach."
Avila was hoping to coach Rhode Island's Bruno United FC U18 boys team to a regional title this week in Cabell County, but tragedy struck before the tournament began.
Avila died Thursday after having a heart attack in the lobby of the Pullman Plaza Hotel just hours before the tournament’s opening ceremonies.
"Several of the kids were devastated,” Craven said. “He actually collapsed in the presence of many members of the team. Those kids who were there to witness that were certainly stunned, and I think they're still recovering."
The team hoped to make a championship run to honor their coach, but they lost their first two games of the tournament. Those who knew coach Avila well say the boys' effort would make him extremely proud.
"Today they really are carrying it on the field with them,” Van Noppen said. “They feel like the best they can do for him is play well. He loved the game. That's one thing they know they can do for him."
Coach Avila was inducted into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame in 1995.
The team expects to return to Rhode Island for his memorial service this Tuesday.
He was 57 years old.
Latest Comments
To all his players my dad would be proud of you. You put on your strong faces and played the game as he would of wanted you too. He loved the sport and most of all valued every player he had. He wasnt always about winning even thou he loved to win, but that you played with your heart and loved the game. We have all lost a great man and his memory will never be forgotten. I will keep his memory alive as I know you all will. He left an impression on everyone even if he just met you. He was a great man and his love for the sport was unbelievable. His accomplishments in his career as a coach will never be forgotten. RIP Dad we all miss you and love you.
How sad for everyone involved. My prayers go out to the kids and his family and friends. I'm sure he would be very proud that the kids kept going and played their game.
So sad. My prayers go out to his family, friends and his players.
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