The Apalachee High School football team is mourning the death of its defensive coordinator, Ricky Aspinwall, who died in a mass shooting. Aspinwall, who was committed to the team and loved football, left a lasting legacy with his players. As a result of this tragedy, condolences have been received from across the country.

Lincoln Riley also joined the footballing world through his X account to express his condolences to the Aspinwall family through the tweet “God Bless ❤️”. The message was in reply to a message of appreciation by Apalachee Football account to their dear and valued Coach.

Fans have received the sitting down of players with the football world in pain and at a loss a very special form of unity in grief. The Apalachee Football account shared the following message regarding the tragic event that befalls the school, “As our community, school, and football program begins the mourning process we are so grateful for the outpouring of support.” Ricky Aspinwall was a coach, a father, a friend, and a mentor to many young players. His sudden death has left a void in the hearts of many.

“We love you, Coach A,” the team wrote, and that sentiment echoes far beyond the walls of the school. The grief is intensified by the way he died, and in the company of many others in an incident of mass shooting; many are mourning his death as well as pondering on the senseless acts of shooting.

A legacy that will live on

Assistant football coach Ricky Aspinwall, who was the defensive coordinator at Apalachee High School coaching the students team was one of the four victims during the mass shooting at the school early September, 2024. Aspinwall, 39, started coaching at Apalachee in 2023 having taught at Mountain View and Dunwoody High School. He was accepted within the school fraternity and reciprocated by his players.

Alongside him, two students and a teacher also succumbed to the senseless act of shooting by the 14-year-old perpetrator, Colt Gray. The event has not spared the community as evident by the impacts which are cancellation of classes and football games. However, knowing Ricky Aspinwall as a person people are determined to prevent his memory fade and his story to remain as a reminder.

The Apalachee football program is determined to honor their coach by carrying on with the same passion and dedication that Aspinwall brought to the field every day. In their hearts, the players he trained, will go on playing with him and be aware that he will always be looking from above. “We will carry you heavy in our hearts,” the team’s official statement reads. Rest in peace, Coach Ricky Aspinwall!