PEORIA — Richwoods honored legendary football coach Tom Peeler with a moment of silence prior to its girls and boys basketball games on Saturday.

Peeler passed away on Friday after a long illness. He led the Knights to a unbeaten season and Class 5A state championship in 1984, his final season as coach.

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Richwoods girls coach basketball coach Todd Hursey was a student in Peeler’s social studies class. A lot of Peeler’s teachings are an influence in the girls program.

“He demanded himself to respect everybody else that he got (respect from) in return and that’s how we approach the same thing with our kids,” said Hursey. “Whether you play 32 minutes, two minutes or don’t play four (or) five games in a row, we have the same level of respect for all of them and we get it in return.”

Aaron Ferguson can be reached at 686-3207 or aferguson@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Sports_Aaron.