Former Westlake Boys Basketball Coach Freeman Blade Dies

Westlake OH

23 September, 2021

9:29 AM

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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. Live in Westlake? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. "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.