College funds have been established benefitting children of the late Hillcrest High head football Coach Cazzie Brown.
Coach Brown passed away Sunday, Aug. 27 from complications of a viral infection. A mentor with a distinct gift for inspiring young people to achieve, whether in the classroom or the football field, “Caz” was a champion of higher education.
“We’ve had such an outpouring of support from schools and school districts throughout Utah. As students, colleagues and friends mourn, many have asked if there’s anything they can do to support his three children in their educational goals,” said Canyons District Foundation Director Laura Barlow. “So, we created Utah Educational Savings Plans in their names.”
The Foundation is accepting donations online. Checks also can be made out to the Canyons Education Foundation and earmarked for the Cazzie Brown college funds.
A native of Houston, Texas, and former football player for Idaho State University, Coach Brown came to Hillcrest in 2016 by way of Judge Memorial and Highland High where he served as defensive coordinator and defensive assistant, respectively. In a short amount of time, with his deep love for students and his motto ‘One Pack, One Goal,’ he brought new energy and positivity to Hillcrest and its football program.
Beloved by his students, he was a caring, passionate educator, a respected colleague and a dear friend. Caz will forever be remembered as the Coach who brought pride back to Husky Land, and he will be greatly missed.
On Tuesday, more than a thousand students and community members gathered on Hillcrest’s football field to light lit candles at a vigil in Coach Brown’s memory. This coming Friday, the Huskies go up against Highland Rams, Coach Brown’s former team. As a show of unity, the two teams plan to enter the field together, two-by-two and shoulder to shoulder. Fans are being asked to wear white. Brown’s family is holding a celebration of life on the field the following day, Saturday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
Photos of the candlelight vigil are courtesy of Kristin Murphy from the Deseret News.
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