Many of you probably have heard the sad news about high-school coaching legend Ed Thomas, who was shot and killed at Aplington-Parkersburg High School today. Former student and football player Mark Becker, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder in Thomas' death, the Des Moines Register is reporting.

Thomas coached NFL players Jared DeVries, Casey Wiegmann, Aaron Kampman and Brad Meester, among others.  DeVries left practice distraught when he heard the news. Meester spoke today about Thomas' legacy.

"There are so many things I could say about him," Meester said. "He was such a tremendous guy. Really a role model for all of us that have been at that school and anybody that’s known him.

"As a player he cared so much about each and every player that was there. As a (history) teacher he cared about each and every student. It’s just a tragic thing that’s really happened and it’s been hard to believe. There are so many people that love this guy. I know he means a lot to that town and all that he has done for that town. I know that they’re definitely devastated as we all are. It’s been a hard moment."

Here's what Kampman had to say:

“Coach Thomas was very special to me and many other young men from the Aplington-Parkersburg communities. His legacy for many will be associated with his tremendous success as a football coach.  However, I believe his greatest legacy comes not in how many football games he won or lost but in the fact that he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He lived his life trying to exemplify this faith and convey those values to those under his influence. His faith in Christ pervaded everything he did and that is why in the midst of the heartache we all feel there is comfort in knowing he is with his Savior.”

Thomas is a giant in Iowa high-school football, and he gained some national attention for helping rebuild the high  school after a tornado disaster a year ago. Here's a second, excellent story on Thomas and his football team from last year by the New York Times ' John Branch.