Fenwick volleyball coach ‘true role model’
Pete Ehrlich, the emotional leader behind Fenwick High School’s state volleyball championship, is being remembered for his actions on and off the volleyball court.
Ehrlich, diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS two years ago, died Tuesday morning, according to the school. He was 58.
“Lost my precious husband this morning,” wrote his wife Jamie. “He is free from the chains of ALS. He will be greatly missed. Life well lived. As he told his players ‘I have great hope. I will be dancing, singing, and playing volleyball again. There is great hope in Jesus!’ ”
Blane Collison, Fenwick’s principal, said Ehrlich was “a true role model” for his players and the entire Fenwick community.
“His faith was the bedrock of his life,” Collison said. “He had a tremendous influence on the lives of young men.”
After he was diagnosed, Ehrlich, the fifth-year coach, inspired the boys volleyball team to embrace the motto, “We Are Champions.”
This year, the Falcons disposed of Olentangy 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 to win state at Pickerington Central High School. It was the school’s second state Division II Ohio High School Boys Volleyball Association title and first since 2013.
Before the season, Ehrlich considered stepping away from the game he had coached at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and Fenwick. His ALS had progressed and Ehrlich wasn’t sure if he’d have the stamina to coach.
Throughout his walk with ALS, Collison said Ehrlich remained “hopeful, faithful.”
When the state championship medal was placed around Ehrlich’s neck, he turned his electric wheelchair around, patted his chest and blew kisses to the Fenwick faithful who greatly outnumbered the Olentangy crowd.
“Play for Pete. Play for Pete. Play for Pete,” the fans chanted.