By: Coleman Swierc - email / bio
LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) - Family, friends, former coaches and teammates, were all in attendance at Harmony Hill Baptist Church this morning.
"Terrence Kiel, what an awesom competitor," said Lufkin Head Coach John Outlaw, as he addressed the crowd.
More than 700 people came to Lufkin to remember Terrence Kiel, the one time Lufkin Panther, Texas A&M Aggie and San Diego Charger, who was killed in a one car accident one week ago.
"I went to battle with Terrence Kiel, and I look forward to going to battle with him in heaven, he was a good kid, and he will be truly missed," said Randall Godfrey, a 12 year NFL veteran, and former teammate of Kiel's in San Diego.
"He has definately left memories in that organization, and has left memories in San Diego, he will be forever missed in wearing number 48," added Chargers tight end Antonio Gates.
While Terrence's passing was untimely, many in attendence could not help but remember the good times they shared together.
"Oh...all the memories, I bet he is up in heaven right now lying," Gates said while addressing the full house inside Harmony Hill.
"There were so many great hits, he knocked a tooth out on the sideline, and jumped up and it was loose, and he just threw it out and went running back out on the football field," remembered Lufkin Head Coach John Outlaw, "like I said, he was a very tough and intense young man."
"I went against him everyday in practice, and there was not much difference in him, as opposed to the guys that went to the pro-bowl," remembered Gates
"As a middle linebacker, he made all of my tackles, he was all over the field, and alot of times you want the middle linebacker to lead the team in tackles," recalled Godfrey, "but that Terrence Kiel, he was all over the place, he was probable the best strong safety I have ever played with, i must say that."
