John Schlarman, the University of Kentucky Wildcats offensive line coach and former Highlands High School standout who inspired the team with his courageous battle with cancer, died Thursday, according to school officials. He was 45.
Schlarman was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in July 2018. His final appearance on UK's sideline was against Tennessee. He was presented the game ball after the win.
"The UK Athletics family is in deep sorrow on the passing of John Schlarman," athletic director Mitch Barnhart said. "Throughout the last two years, he has been an incredible inspiration. He taught people how to live and showed all of us what it means to be courageous.