Update: Memorial Service time, location and directions: Click here.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Former Bethune-Cookman University punter Zach Adrian, whose courageous battle with cancer provided a source of inspiration and pride with former teammates, the B-CU family and the football community, passed away Wednesday morning. He was 36.
His father, Pete Adrian – a former Bethune-Cookman defensive coordinator and Norfolk State University head coach, informed B-CU Athletics that Zach, after enduring over 300 chemotherapies, 32 radiation treatments and major surgeries on his hip and femur, passed peacefully while surrounded by family at Halifax Hospice of Volusia County.
“Zach would still occasionally come to our practice, always upbeat, always positive despite everything he was going through,” said B-CU Football head coach Terry Sims. “That speaks volumes about what kind of person he was. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Adrian family.”
Zach played at Bethune-Cookman, then B-CC, from 1998-2001. He was a placeholder his first year on the team, then after sitting out the 1999 season, enjoyed a strong season in 2000, where he averaged 35.7 yards a punt on 53 kicks. He even registered a touchdown pass – connecting with Warnell “Johnny” Vickers on a 10-yard shuffle pass on a fake field goal attempt during a 35-0 victory at Howard on November 11, 2000.
“He was one of the most carefree, positive people on the team and a friend to everyone,” Vickers said. “Zach was highly respected amongst his team who knew and performed his role well. Since he was a punter, he would always get the kicker jokes. However, he had a very deep knowledge and understanding for the game. He will truly be missed by his Wildcat brothers.”
The following week, Zach would put his name in the record books with a mark many punters probably don't want to record – a co-record 12 punts against Florida A&M in the Walt Disney World Florida Classic. His 434 yards that day was the second-highest single-game total in school, and just one shy of Stacey O'Neal's yardage against Howard in 1994.
“A GREAT teammate,” commented Stevie Baggs Jr., who played alongside Zach and went on to a successful NFL and CFL career. “No matter what, you could depend on him. One reason was that his dad was a top coach, but another was his upbringing. I can definitely say he was a scholar and a gentleman.”
After graduating from B-CC, Zach followed in his father's footsteps as an educator and high school coach, serving at Atlantic High School and New Smyrna Beach High School.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa.
Service times and locations have yet to be announced. This story will be updated.
