Hundreds gathered on Saturday to honor a high school football coach who had an impact both in the classroom and on the field.
New Braunfels High School football coach and science teacher John Mudge, 33, passed away last Friday.
On Saturday, hundreds packed a memorial service for Mudge at the Oakwood Baptist Church in New Braunfels.
There was standing room only inside the church, as those who knew him gathered to honor him and to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
"At this moment, you are my hero," said Marsha Mudge, coach John Mudge's wife. "You have been my inspiration for years. We'll miss you more than you'll ever know."
Mudge was the defensive coordinator for the New Braunfels High School football team.
Members of the current team, as well as some of his former players, said Saturday that he was someone they looked up to.
"He was my idol," said Grant Reber, a former New Braunfels High School football player. "He was a great man. He will be missed greatly."
Moses Cantu, who is a former teammate of Mudge's when he played football at Midwestern State University at Wichita Falls, said he was taken back by the outpouring of support he saw at Saturday's memorial service.
"It says a lot about his character about who he is as a coach," said Cantu. "He's a great guy. The parking lot is full."
Coach Mudge leaves behind his wife, Marsha and his two young sons, Tanner, 4, and Jackson, 2.
"I promise that I will be the best mom and dad to our boys," said Marsha Mudge. "I will not let you down."
Reber said he wants to honor his former coach's life by living the way he taught him, to never quit and to keep fighting.
"Stay strong," said Reber. "Keep living life to the fullest. You never know when life is going to go away."