Rick Ylagan will be missed

On Jan. 11 the world lost a wonderful person. Eric “Rick” Ylagan, 39, passed away in his sleep, leaving his wonderful wife, Wendy, and two beautiful children, Sydney, 6, and Shane, 3. He also left behind many others on whom he had a profound impact. Rick was many things during his short time on this earth; son, brother, husband, father, teacher and coach among them.

We met Rick six years ago when our oldest son tried out for tennis at Bangor High School. He coached our three boys over the past five years and was the best high school coach my family has seen in any sport. He expected a great deal from his players, but it was never about winning. Make no mistake about it, Rick liked to win, but his coaching wasn’t focused on it. He challenged his players every day to have fun, do their best and always look to improve. Church commitment, academics and family took priority over tennis, but all the while he encouraged strong team loyalty. This approach might be the reason Bangor High School had 25 to 30 student athletes choose to play tennis, fully aware that only seven would play regularly at the varsity level.

At Rick’s funeral, many talked of his passion for life, for learning and for his family. Everything he did was done with passion, tempered with compassion and class. An opposing school coach spoke of how Rick brought civility to high school tennis in Maine, instituting the ritual of opposing players shaking hands during opening ceremonies. Rick also encouraged fans to applaud good play demonstrated by opponents and home players alike.

The presence of many former and current students at the funeral serves as testimony of the impact he made on the students at BHS. He has been described as the driving force behind the world-class observatory at BHS. He will be missed by many and those fortunate enough to know him are better because of it.

Last June, Rick led the tennis team to Bangor High School’s first state championship. At a post-game gathering, he told the team the memory of this tennis championship would fade as they went on with life. This was one of the rare times Coach Ylagan was wrong. These high school athletes and their families will never forget last season and the great coach and friend that led them through it.

Rick Ylagan was an exceptional person who had his priorities in order. Most importantly, he was a great husband and father. As a coach, he taught his players to enjoy the game, have fun and always be a good sport. Our family is blessed to have known Coach Ylagan and our children are better people for it. Under his tutelage, their skills at tennis improved, but, more importantly, their life skills improved.

The line snaking out through the door at the funeral home and the standing room only gathering at his funeral serve as a testament to the number of people touched by Rick Ylagan. The best tribute we can give in his honor is to try to live, coach, teach and parent as he did. Those who knew him feel a terrible sadness at his passing, but a great appreciation for having known him.

Thank you, Rick, for choosing to give eight years of your life teaching and coaching the students of Bangor. You will be missed.

Shawn Yardley lives in Bangor.