Kentucky’s offensive line coach John Schlarman was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in the summer of 2018. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to coach through countless treatments and the horrific side effects from those treatments. In two seasons, he did not miss a game (and rarely missed a practice) until Oct. 24, 2020 at Missouri. When asked why he never wanted to miss practice or a game when we could clearly see he was sick and hurting, he simply stated “for the team.” His final appearance on the sidelines was October 17 at Tennessee as UK defeated the 17th-ranked Volunteers 34-7, the Cats’ first win in Knoxville since 1984. Following the game, he was awarded the game ball by head coach Mark Stoops. Just three weeks later, Coach Schlarman passed away on Nov. 12, 2020. His tenacity and determination was an inspiration to UK players and everyone else around him.
