Utah soccer lost one of its most beloved coaches on Sunday.

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.

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