Bryce Gerlach honored by Corydon community on senior night

CORYDON, In. (WAVE) - Among the dozens of names called during ceremonies recognizing Corydon Central High School senior athletes was Bryce Gerlach’s.

The 18-year-old was a kicker for the Panthers, as well as a member of the soccer team.

“[Bryce was] so much more than just a superb student-athlete,” Athletic Director John Atkins said. “He was a great person.”

The senior didn‘t get to see the field Friday, or stand by his parents as he was recognized. He was shot and killed Saturday as an innocent bystander attending New Albany’s Harvest Homecoming.

Yet everywhere you looked, were signs of Bryce: T-shirts, bracelets, banners, and photos covered the stadium in his honor.

Corydon Central took the field one man short at the start of the game, laying down Bryce’s jersey next to the tee he used for kickoffs before taking a delay of game penalty.

Wearing his brother’s number 12 jersey was the backup kicker Owen Gerlach.

Atkins says the teen touched so many people, both on and off the field.

“We‘ve seen so many accounts and had so many people reach out with just how respectful he was,’ Atkins said. ”He was a ‘yes sir, no sir type’ player, you know, the kind of kid that coaches love to coach.”

Bryce’s loss touched down much further than just Corydon.

“All the surrounding communities have been deeply affected by what’s happened,” Atkins. “Everybody, all week long, has been so supportive and reached out.”

That included this week’s opponent, Silver Creek High School, who helped with fundraisers for the Gerlach family.

“We just hope by being there we can be a part of that healing process as they begin to move forward,” Silver Creek High School Principal Dr. Rob Willman said.

Every team across the Mid-Southern Conference also showed support with “12” stickers on every helmet.

“This was something that you know will stir up emotions for quite some time for a lot of people around here and we don’t anticipate that community support wavering at all,” Atkins said.

Bryce will be laid to rest tomorrow morning in Corydon.

A memorial scholarship fund has been established in his honor through Regions Bank.

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