The communities of Terre Haute, Montgomery County, and beyond are mourning the loss of Ben Blank, a beloved coach, teacher, and friend.
Ben passed away after a brave fight with cancer. His death has left many hearts heavy, but his legacy of kindness, mentorship, and love for his students and athletes will live on.
Ben was more than just a coach. He was a 1993 graduate of Terre Haute North High School and a proud Patriot.
He poured his heart into coaching and teaching. At Montgomery County, he served as the Defensive Coordinator and later as the Head Coach of the Wildcats football team.
In 2005, he led the team to the Missouri State Championship game. This was a considerable achievement, but Ben’s actual impact was in the relationships he built.
Ben formed lifelong friendships with staff, community members, and players.
He touched the lives of students and athletes in Terre Haute, North Vermillion, and other places where he coached.
He worked with teams in football, junior high basketball, track and field, and even volleyball. Ben always taught lessons about hard work, character, and perseverance.
In recent months, Ben reached out to his former colleagues and players in Montgomery County.
He was excited about planning a 20-year reunion for the 2005 state runner-up team. Even while battling cancer, he took time to check on his former players and staff.
He asked about their families and friends. Ben often spoke about how much his time at Montgomery County meant to him.
One of his favorite honors was helping organize the annual Dean Eoff Football Award, which remembered one of his former players.
Many People are Sharing Tributes that Show How Much Ben Meant to Them
Terre Haute North Boys Basketball shared the news on Facebook:
“Terre Haute North Boys Basketball lost a proud 1993 Patriot alum and champion supporter of THN Basketball, Ben Blank. Coach Blank is being honored tonight with lights at several High School Football fields across the Wabash Valley. Pictured are Blank brothers, Luke, Calvin, and Nate honoring their brother Ben under the lights. Please keep the Blank family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Via Facebook
Across Indiana, hundreds of schools are lighting up their football fields to honor Ben. This shows how far his influence reached.
On Friday night, Montgomery County will recognize former players and families from the 2005 football team. They will share stories and memories of Coach Blank.
Martin Brown, a friend and colleague, wrote a heartfelt tribute:
“Ben Blank was more than a teacher and coach—he was part of our extended Falcon family. He poured his heart into North Vermillion athletics, coaching football, junior high basketball, track and field, and volleyball. We shared many great moments and some tough times. He had a big impact on countless students, including my own children. His lessons went beyond sports. They were about effort, character, and perseverance. Please keep Hilary, Atticus, Jorja, and the entire Blank family in your prayers.”
Via Facebook
North Vermillion Junior Senior High School also shared its sadness:
“With heavy hearts, we share that Ben Blank passed away last evening. Ben was a beloved member of our Falcon Family. He was a dedicated teacher, coach, colleague, and friend. His leadership, kindness, and care for students made our school better. Tonight, NVHS and other WRC schools will leave the football field lights on to honor his life and legacy.”
Via Facebook
Brian Oliver, another coaching friend, shared a special memory:
“I’m saddened to hear that Coach Ben Blank has passed away after his battle with cancer. He was a colleague and a friend. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. After we beat North Vermillion in the 2015 semi-state game, he walked onto the field to give me advice for the state championship. He didn’t have to do that, but that was who he was. He said, ‘Take a moment to stop, take a breath, and take it all in.’ I’ve carried that advice with me ever since. Rest easy, Coach. You’ll be missed.”
Via Facebook
Ben’s gift was connecting with people. He cared deeply about his students and athletes.
His lessons were not just about winning games but about building character and community.
Whether coaching on the field or checking in years later, Ben’s warmth shone through.
Ben’s legacy is not in trophies but in the lives he touched. The glowing football fields across Indiana are a beautiful tribute to a man who brought light to so many.
Our thoughts are with Ben’s wife, Hilary, their children, Atticus and Jorja, and the entire Blank family.
May his memory inspire us all to take a moment, breathe, and cherish the people around us.
