Bruno Coach Joe Avila West Virginia News Tribute

Rhode Island Coach Joe Avila died of a heart attack in Huntington just hours before the tournament's opening ceremonies.

Although the coach's tenure with the kids came to a tragic and abrupt end, his life and love for the game will stick with his players forever.

"He touched so many over his 35-year career," parent Tom Craven said, "literally thousands of kids who he'd coach in sports and in life."

The prominent coach won numerous titles at different high schools in the state throughout his career.

"He was a really well loved guy, always had a smile," friend Julie Van Noppen said. "Every player felt cared for by him. He was just a wise coach."

Avila was hoping to coach Rhode Island's Bruno United FC U18 boys team to a regional title this week in Cabell County, but tragedy struck before the tournament began.

Avila died Thursday after having a heart attack in the lobby of the Pullman Plaza Hotel just hours before the tournament's opening ceremonies.

"Several of the kids were devastated," Craven said. "He actually collapsed in the presence of many members of the team. Those kids who were there to witness that were certainly stunned, and I think they're still recovering."

The team hoped to make a championship run to honor their coach, but they lost their first two games of the tournament. Those who knew coach Avila well say the boys' effort would make him extremely proud.

"Today they really are carrying it on the field with them," Van Noppen said. "They feel like the best they can do for him is play well. He loved the game. That's one thing they know they can do for him."

Coach Avila was inducted into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame in 1995.

The team expects to return to Rhode Island for his memorial service this Tuesday.

He was 57 years old.

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• Rhode
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• Stingrays
• Regionals