Run Honors Bradenton Christian Coach

Bradenton Christian School's annual Panther Prowl will be held Saturday in honor of the coach who died last week while lifting weights in his home.

The run, an annual fundraiser for the school, will recognize , the coach for the girls junior varsity basketball team. All proceeds will benefit his family, according to school officials.

Vautrinot was the co-chair for the school's annual Panther Prowl.  He also served as the assistant coach for the varsity girls basketball team and was on the board for the Suncoast Striders. He spent countless hours volunteering at school and his church, West Bradenton Baptist.

He had a passion for running and in early January, he ran in Disney’s half marathon as a warm up to the full marathon the next day. He was instrumental in the developing Bradenton Christian's 5K Race and was gearing up for the annual event. School officials said it is only fitting that the race will go on.

Steve Litschauer, an owner of On a Shoestring and president of Suncoast Striders Walking and Running Club, got to know Vautrinot through the running club. He was impressed with Vautrinot's dedication to his family.

"He loved life and would do anything for you," Litschauer said. "Not only did he give his time and volunteer, but he included his family. That’s what’s neat."

Litchauser said the whole family often participated in running events and that it seemed to be a family sport. Vautrinot could be counted on not just to run in area races, but also to volunteer for the running events.

"Sometimes he would do both," Litchauser said.

Want to run?: Pre-registration is $20 and is available online. On the day of the race, registration is $25 for adults and $20 for students.