RIP Coach Willie Heidelberg

JACKSON, Miss. – Belhaven University and the Department of Athletics are mourning the loss of Assistant Football Coach Willie Heidelburg. Coach Heidelburg, who was in his 15th season at Belhaven as an assistant coach, was found deceased at home Monday morning of an apparent heart attack. The funeral service will be held Monday October 21 at 11:00 AM at Christ United Methodist Church. The church is located at 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS. "I had the privilege of being coached by Coach Heidelburg as well as having him as a close colleague over the past five years," Belhaven Head Coach Joe Thrasher said. "He is a man who lived out his faith. His passion for football was only second to his love for Christ. He is a man who leaves an incredible legacy behind and who will continue to have an impact on lives long after his time on earth." Heidelburg began his career with the Blazers in 1999, coaching the running backs and wide receivers and served as Running Backs Coach this year. Prior to arriving at Belhaven, Coach Heidelburg served 25 years (1973-1998) as a coach and teacher at Murrah High School in Jackson. During his tenure with the Mustangs, Coach Heidelburg coached football, track and basketball, with two years as the Head Football Coach and 14 years as Head Track Coach. Coach Heidelburg is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a letterman running back for the Golden Eagles during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. On October 17th 1970, Heidelberg helped lead Southern Mississippi to a 30-14 upset victory over Archie Manning and the fourth ranked Ole Miss Rebels. Heidelburg also played football at Pearl River Community College (1968-1969). He is a member of the Pearl River CC Sports Hall of Fame. "It is hard to imagine Belhaven football without Willie," Belhaven University President Dr. Roger Parrott said. "He's been there since the beginning, and has been a voice of significance in the life of every Belhaven football player. I always knew we could lean on Willie because he honored the Lord in everything he did as he cared for our players – he was a winner every single day." *Story by Clarion Ledger

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