Former Westlake Boys Basketball Coach Freeman Blade Dies

WESTLAKE, OH — Former interim Westlake High boys basketball coach Freeman Blade died this week.

Blade's passing was announced Wednesday by the district, which offered both its condolences to Blade's family and a remembrance of his time in Westlake.

Blade only coached the Demons for one season, but had a "profound impact on many players," the district said. He first served as a trainer for the Positive Coaching Alliance, facilitating a coaching seminar with 50 current and former Westlake coaches. He then stepped in that school year to become the boys basketball interim coach.

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"He is best remembered for his sayings and animated sideline presence and nobody can ever forget video footage of his dancing with the team in the locker room after a playoff upset at Avon Lake," the district said in a statement.

"Anyone who got to know Freeman appreciated him and knew he was always striving for the better good! Rest in peace our friend," the district added.