GREENWOOD — Russ Milligan, a Center Grove High School chemistry teacher who coached the school's softball team to five state championships, has died.
A message sent to parents Wednesday from Center Grove Principal Jeffry M. Henderson said Milligan died Wednesday due to complications from COVID-19.
Milligan taught at Center Grove for 31 years and spent 27 years as the school's softball coach. He was inducted into the Indiana High School Softball Hall of Fame in 2010.
"Please keep Mr. Milligan’s family, friends, current and former students, and former players and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time," Henderson wrote.
"I was just thinking earlier how awesome it was that he has touched so many lives, not just mine and not just the girls that I know from playing softball with him, but how so many people were able to see how much of a special person he was," Stacy Eiler said.
His players said he was able to lead his team to five state championships because he brought out the best in every student he worked with.
"Sometimes you find yourself in situations that you don't necessarily love, but you figure out ways to get the best out of them because of the lessons you've learned from him," Erin Johnson said.
"You just feel a void for him it's an empty hole in your heart that once you know him you just know is never going to be filled again," Malorie Jones said.
The school will provide counselors this week for students and staff.
