East soccer coach Kernodle passes away
Longtime East coach Mike Kernodle, who was the face of the Leopards' boys and girls soccer programs for 20 years, died. He was in his early 50s.
"Soccer's gonna miss him dearly," said Alta coach and friend Lee Mitchell.
For the past two years, Kernodle had been battling a serious condition that prevented his body from properly processing protein. That had caused major ups and downs, but according to assistant coach Rudy Schenk, it appeared he was getting better.
Utah boys prep soccer began this month, and Kernodle as always had been heavily involved with helping East get ready for the season. Kernodle held a three-hour practice Friday afternoon, which was the last time Schenk saw him.
After receiving news of Kernodle's death Sunday, Schenk began calling players and friends of the boys and girls programs. Within 45 minutes, approximately 100 people informally gathered to reminisce and cope with the news.
"The biggest thing and everybody that's been up here has been saying I never heard him say anything negative or derogatory about anyone," said Schenk. "He never, ever was negative toward anyone."
Kernodle was highly skilled at molding the players he coached on the field, as well as the students he taught in the classroom.
Kernodle won two girls state titles and one boys state title, which came a year ago.
Heading into last season, Schenk said Kernodle felt the one missing piece in his coaching resume was a boys state championship. His legacy would've been just as stellar without the trophy, but it will be a fitting way to remember him.
"That was the icing on the cake," said Schenk.
Added senior midfielder Judd Tidwelll: "You could just tell how much that meant to him."
Like Kernodle, Mitchell has been coaching since the beginning of prep soccer in Utah. He said he'll remember Kernodle as someone who truly cared for his players.
"I think he's a true gentleman. He had his kids at the forefront of everything," said Mitchell.
E-MAIL: drasmussen@desnews.com
Comments
- Oil wavers near $60 1:26 p.m.
- Okla. St. faces infractions committe 1:22 p.m.
- Wimbledon ratings best in 10 years 1:21 p.m.
- Fissure study under way in Iron Co. 1:17 p.m.
- Raptors confirm Turkoglu 1:10 p.m.
- Trial begins in Hilton contract 12:57 p.m.
- Clippers sign No. 1 pick Griffin 12:50 p.m.
- MLB fans feel priced out at ballpark 12:48 p.m.
- GM sale cleared 12:47 p.m.
- House passes food stamps bill 12:33 p.m.
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- Utah's top 10: Wealth of recreation
- MWC, WAC rushed into BCS
- O'Connor unhappy Fes not with team
- Teen injured in fall from waterfall
- River flow marks birth of sanctuary
- Keeping golf light on the wallet
- Fatigued Jazz no match for Pacers
- Murder charge filed in shooting
- Jazz payroll is $3.1 million over tax
- Letters: Palin mistreated
134 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
133 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
133 - 'Tea party' protesters unhappy
107 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
80 - Stadium of Fire lights up the 4th
78 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Millsap not franchise player
70 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
Real Salt Lake striker Yura Movsisyan travelled to Europe over last...
The Utah basketball team has received a commitment for the 2010-11...
The recent Poly camp in Bountiful opened the eyes of recruiters to at...
As a HUGE BYU fan and alum I want to know everything that happens with the...
Having been to meetings involving Envision Utah, they get as much public...
Ralph, what you're suggesting is a form of socialism. We can't have any of...
What guarantee is there that the note would be good on the redemption date?...
Good job Keith. You are right. Pretty soon we will have no freedom. People...
Gee what a surprise. Utah leaders are just as corrupt as any other state.
which means if they get him they don't need and probably never wanted (no...
Someone should just put together a national college footbal tournament....
Say what you like about their tactics, the Greenpeace is right - a new...
The difference is the cause. Would you want to live under the Taliban? They...



You can be the first to comment on this story.