GREENFIELD — Matt English spent his final weekend in the hospital surrounded by family and friends. The Beech Grove Hornets had a basketball game, and while he couldn’t make it to the court, their head coach wanted to be alive long enough to make it through one more game, said his pastor, Danny Curry.
Tough to the end, English wanted to go out on his own terms, making sure he was there for his team one last time, Curry said. “We B4 Me,” a notion coined by English, was more than just a catchphrase.
It was the way he lived his life.
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After more than seven years of battling brain cancer, the coach, athletic director and former Greenfield-Central basketball star died Monday morning. He was 45 years old. Arrangements are pending.
English is survived by his wife, Angela, who works as treasurer at Hornet Park Elementary in the Beech Grove district, and their 10-year-old daughter, Addison.
While he began his legacy on the Cougars’ basketball court, English went on to become a star at Bethel University in Tennessee. He still holds the university’s record in career points (2,530) and rebounds (1,531).
English went on to serve in several different coaching roles, including at Center Grove, Speedway, Tri-West and Beech Grove.
In his time as a coach, he left a lasting impact on the culture of each school’s athletic program as well as the community, said Mark Weller, Beech Grove’s head football coach and assistant athletic director. Weller had known and worked closely with English for more than 15 years.
“Everybody, whether it be kids or staff, looked up to him,” Weller said. “It’s interesting talking to guys who have coached with him; every single one of them will talk about what impact he had on them individually. And I think we’ve all taken note of the example he set and the way he lived his life daily.”
Every game, you could see the fire in English’s eyes as he focused on his team’s performance. He had an intense coaching style. But while he was so passionate and aggressive toward achieving his goal, what was always more striking was his huge heart, Weller said.
“He was an inspiration to all of us,” he said.
English’s fellow coaches gathered to spend time with him Saturday and Sunday just before he died, said basketball coach Mike Renfro. The athletic department at Beech Grove shares a special bond, he said, one that surpasses the typical professional comaradery.
The coaches will often text each other into late hours of the night for game planning, scouting and scheduling practice, Renfro said. But they’re also invested in each other’s personal lives; losing one of their own was like losing a family member.
As such a prominent leader in the Beech Grove school system, many of English’s players looked to him as a father figure, Renfro said. And Renfro looked to him like a brother.
“He was such a mentor to me, the way that he went about his everyday life,” Renfro said. “With ‘We B4 Me,’ it’s about the things we do as people. Something like this will band the team together, and band the people in his community together too, I believe. We’re going to be better people because of Matt English.”
“I told the boys: In my existence as a coach and as a man, the one thing that I’ll take with me forever is the loyalty that he had,” he added. “Not only to his family, but his fellow coaches and his players. It’s unbelievable.”
English was a fierce competitor; a man of strong character and deep faith, Curry said. He’ll be remembered as a winner of many things, more than just sports.
“He had his priorities straight,” the Park Chapel Christian Church pastor said. “He knew that God came first, then family, then his passion of basketball and coaching after that. I do believe he saw coaching as something much more profound than just wins and losses. He wanted to help his young men and student athletes to win at life, and he poured himself into that every day.
“He leaves quite a legacy of many touched and transformed lives.”
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"We’re going to be better people because of Matt English.” — Mike Renfro, Beech Grove basketball coach
“He was an inspiration to all of us." — Mark Weller, Beech Grove football coach, assistant athletic director
"He leaves quite a legacy of many touched and transformed lives.” — Danny Curry, Park Chapel Christian Church pastor
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Those who knew Matt English took to social media to share thoughts and memories of a man who touched so many lives. Here are just some of their thoughts:
"Matt English was a giant. He was caring & thoughtful to everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers go to Angela, Beth, Taylor, Kayla, Addison & the rest of his family. He will be greatly missed but his legacy of Toughness will continue. And we will continue on this journey knowing we are going to be better because of him." — Kevin Rounds, Monrovia basketball coach
"I believe our ultimate goal in life should be making sure we leave a place better than it was before us. You, Coach, did that in such a way that cannot be measured. Beech Grove is a better place because of you and we all thank you." — Katie Gearlds, Marian University women’s basketball coach
"Matt English was everything that everyone says he was and more. Heaven got a good one this morning. Rest In Peace Coach." — Michael Shanahan, Beech Grove girls soccer coach
"Coached against Matt English the past two years. Truly a sad day. Outstanding coach AND person! Prayers to Beech Grove community and Matt’s family." — Steve Goddard, retired Rushville basketball coach
"Prayers for family of one my college teammate! “WARRIOR” Matt English lost his fight with brain cancer…if u ever saw this undersized forward play…OMG" — Christopher Barnes, pastor
"Thank you for everything you have taught me. You have done so much for me and so many more people. You have impacted my life in so many ways. Most selfless and hardest working person I knew. I love you Coach English" — Griffin Wade, Beech Grove basketball player
"I didn’t know Coach English on a personal level but he always treated me with respect and kindness along with the rest of our coaching staff. I am definitely a better person for being around him, if only for once or twice a year. He will be missed greatly." — Matt Stewart, basketball coach at Eminence
"A special prayer today and the days to come for the family of Matt English. Coach English was a @BethelUniv great and former @HHSstangs coach. He impacted many lives through his teaching, coaching, and community leadership. He left an impact that will rightfully last a long time." — Joseph Butler, Carroll County mayor
"It has been a pleasure working with Matt English from the time he started teaching at Tri-West early in his career to working with him as AD at BG. RIP Matt" — Don Dorrell, retired Tri-West athletic director
"Sending prayers to the English family today. Thank you Coach for the impact you left on Beech Grove, your funny jokes, your inspiring conversations, and for everything you did for me and my family. Your legacy will never be forgotten." — Michele Jennings, Beech Grove graduate
"And the coaching world morns. RIP Matt English – an inspiration to anyone who met him, knew him, or loved him. Read about his life and understand that we are defined by the way we attack the challenges life gives us. Matt is a winner!" — Rusty Loyd, Rose-Hulman basketball coach
"I never thought we would have to say goodbye to the man who taught us more than he will ever know. Coach English was more than just a basketball coach. He was a role model and a true friend. The BG community and everyone around lost a legend today. RIP Coach English we love you!" — David Corbin, Beech Grove graduate
"It was an absolute honor to coach alongside Matt English…he was my mentor & friend! He’s by far the toughest person I’ve ever known…he was a relentless worker & the most selfless person! I will be forever grateful for what he has done for me!" — Garret Daniel, Beech Grove assistant athletic director
"So sad to hear about the passing of Matt English. An outstanding man who was example of class & a role model to so many. Condolences, thoughts, & prayers to his family, friends, & players from the Cathedral Basketball Family. Rest In Peace coach." — Jason Delaney, Cathedral basketball coach
"Godspeed Matt English. We’re all better for having known you." — Greg Rakestraw, ISC Sports Network vice president
"You know how impactful Mr. English was when he wasn’t even your coach, yet you still learned so many valuable lessons from him. One of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. RIP Coach English" — Cameron Cardenas, Beech Grove graduate
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