Last year, under Kernodle's guidance, East won its first boys soccer state title in school history. He was named Soccer Coach of the Year for Utah by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

"He set such a great example on field, his presence is just amazing," said team captain Jake Cook. "He is all about the kids, never about himself. Even when he was really sick he didn't care about himself, he just cared about us."

"Everything he did was to set an example," Wiscomb said. "He developed one-on-one relationships with everyone on the team, making time for everyone."

The Leopards are determined to continue winning soccer matches in his absence.

"The biggest thing we're gonna do — and I think this is what coach Kernodle would want us to do — we're gonna move forward," said Kernodle's assistant, Rudy Schenk, who has taken over the head coaching duties.

East will play its Region 6 opener today against Cottonwood.

"We're going to stay as close to a normal routine as we can," Schenk said.

The defending 4A champs have a large group of seniors, and Schenk noted his squad will look to them for leadership.

"We're going to rely heavily on them," he said.

East principal Robyn Roberts said student leaders are in the process of planning events later on in the week to honor Mulkey and Kernodle.

Mulkey's family will be taking contributions for the Lauren Elizabeth Mulkey Scholarship fund, established in her memory at Westminster. They also will be taking donations to dedicate a bench at Red Butte Gardens in Lauren's memory.

Mulkey's memorial services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Libby Gardner Hall on the University of Utah campus. Friends can pay their respects before the celebration of life that will begin at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow.

Scholarship fund

A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Coach Mike Kernodle. Contributions can be sent to:

Coach K Scholarship Fund

c/o Bank of Utah

Att: Roger Tidwell

711 S. State Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

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Contributing: Dan Rasmussen

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com