A popular running coach and teacher has lost his battle with cancer.

Kris Keppel passed away Sunday but he’s still living vividly in the hearts of his athletes.

There was a show of team spirit Monday with heavy hearts as students at Land O’ Lakes High gathered to remember and honor Kris Keppel. A man they simply called coach.

“I could hear him, he was probably close to the finish line and he was just screaming pump your arms, pump your arms,” said student, Austin Totson.

That was a fond memory for many of his athletes.

“I’m going to miss his yelling the most,” said student, Carolyn Estrella.

Coach Keppel’s runners found out two years ago he was battling pancreatic cancer.

“He could have just hung it all up when he found out that he had cancer two years ago, but he didn’t because I knew that he loved us,” said Totson.

Students even created shirts that say “I Run for Keppel” after his diagnosis.

The athletes have cherished the past two years and say their coach’s battle invoked a fire inside of them.

“He kept a fight and I think that’s what fuels most of us and what fueled us this past year,” said Totson.

Students say Keppel was much more than a coach, he helped outside of track and was always there to give advice.

“He has become such a great inspiration and will always be my greatest inspiration,” said Estrella.

Coach Keppel was a teacher and coach at the school for more than 20 years and took his teams to several championships. Something his students will never forget.

“We know that every time we run now he’s up there, he has first row seats looking over us,” said Estrella.

For them he’ll always have a spot on the sidelines.

“Every time I run, I’ll be thinking of him, cheering for me saying, ‘Go MK’ on the sides,” said student, Mary-Katherine Guenette.

The street leading to the track is named after Coach Keppel. The students also plan to name a race after him.

He is survived by his two daughters and wife.