Hundreds turn out for vigil to honor popular Irvine baseball and football coach Casey Dumont

The stands on one side of Irvine Stadium was nearly full and included baseball players who were coached by Casey Dumont. (Photo Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone)

Hundreds, including many who had their lives positively affected by Casey Dumont, showed up at Irvine Stadium Monday night for a memorial vigil to honor the former Irvine High assistant baseball and football coach who died on Saturday, Aug. 9, following sudden cardiac arrest, according to Irvine Principal Monica Colunga.

Nearly half of the stadium, which seats about 3,000, was filled as tributes to Dumont were delivered by Colunga, baseball coach Gabriel Cota, football coach Tom Ricci, Athletic Director Kris Klamberg, Dumont’s father Jack Dumont and many former players.

Colunga said she hired Dumont 10 years ago and said he “did everything to make sure athletes were successful. His legacy will continue.”

She said it was important to remember the affect he had on so many athletes and the special education students he taught.

Speakers talked about how much Dumont, 42, had helped them during challenging times and noted how he was someone who was always there to help. There were also lighter stories involving Dumont and speakers told about his great sense of humor.

Guests were invited to sign a poster which had a picture of Dumont.

Pastor Kyle Zimmerman, the father of Irvine football and baseball players Kade Zimmerman and Tate Zimmerman, said it was important to share thoughts about Dumont as part of the grieving process. He recommended they share pictures and stories about him and asked those in attendance to bow their heads and pray in a moment of silence at the end of the event. Those in attendance were also invited to continue sharing their stories after the two-hour vigil ended.

For additional coverage of the vigil, including photos, please click here.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com