Zach Hemmila was an offensive lineman at Arizona, a member of Rich Rodriguez's first-ever recruiting class. He came to the Wildcats from Chandler High School.Β
Hemmila played in 27 games, with six starts, and was expected to battle for the starting center position this season.
Sunday night, Hemmila died in his sleep. He was 22.
The Star reached out to some of Hemmila's former teammates, coaches and friends to gather anecdotes, memories and thoughts.Β
Here's what they had to say. This story will be updated as more comes in.
Stories about Hemmila can be emailed to Zack Rosenblatt at zrosenblatt@tucson.com.
Shaun Aguano,Β Chandler High School football coach: "He was a huge part of our Chandler football family. Heβs a very good kid and I enjoyed being around him. He had his shortcomings, like all teenagers do, but I loved his smile and his quirkiness. His parents have always supported our team, and I feel absolutely horrible for them.Β
"I'm hurting right now because a piece of our family is gone. I know his teammates and family is hurting right now, but hopefully heβs in a better place.
"He was a two-year starter for us and was a very good lineman. He was lazy at times so we were always on him. We knew his family really well and he was a great kid, i didnβt have any trouble with him.
"He was a big teddy bear at Chandler. Everybody liked him."Β
Chris Putton,Β former Arizona offensive lineman:Β "We hung out back when he just came in (2012). Man, he started off rocky and almost didn't make it and I told (Jim) Coach MichalczikΒ to give him another shot.
"He lived with me and actually even became my little (brother) in my fraternity. He was more then just a brother to me, man, he was family and was like the brother I never had. We had our ups and downs but it's still surreal to me. I'm at work just shaking because I still can't believe it. We made so many memories on and off the field whenever we won a big game, I could count on Zach being one of the first people to get to me for a hug and to say 'I love you brother. I'm proud of you.'"
Casey Matzke,Β former Arizona team manager:Β "I remember coming to U of A my freshman year and meeting Zach the day before my first camp for all the equipment fittings. Zach had a smile that lit up the room. His laugh was hilarious and contagious. I remember hanging out with our group every Sunday night in Likins dorm, because there was no Monday practice.
"Those Sunday night guys nights were some of my favorite college memories. We all started to go our separate ways through college but every time I saw him I got a huge hug and greeting, even after I had stopped being a manager, including when we rushed the field after the Utah game. I'm going to miss his smile and laugh and I'm praying for his family and Alisa."
Jake Smith, former Arizona kicker: "Zach's transformation from his visit until now was truly special. He always had a light in him that made you want to root for him. He had his ups and downs, like anyone, but he was on the right path and everyone around him was ready to see him shine.
"This one hurts, he was a great person. He impacted those around him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, all of his teammates, his friends and Arizona, which he truly loved."
Chase Gorham, former Arizona long snapper: "Zach was an amazing person with an even bigger heart. He was one of my best friends on the team. The kid was such a hard worker and always fun to be around.
"I'm sure as you have seen he made a huge impact on everyone's life, including mine. He will forever be missed. And he was the best FIFA player on the team and made sure everyone knew it too!"
Tyler Snyder, former Arizona team manager: "Zach had a laugh like no one else. The dude was a fun loving guy with a great heart. I will always remember his goofy smile and contagious personality."
"I was fortunate enough to work closely with the entire offensive line, specifically the centers. Zach and I developed a closeΒ friendship and I will miss him dearly."
"A week or so after graduation his family had a graduation party for him and I was able to go. It was just myself, Zach and the rest of his immediate family. I recall the extremeΒ love and admiration they had for him. They were so proud of his accomplishments andΒ his roleΒ on the U of AΒ football team. They should be extremely proud of the young man Zach was, he touched a lot of lives and he will truly be missed. I'm happy to have called Zach a good friend. Rest easy 65."
Mickey Baucus, former Arizona offensive lineman: "Zach was a great kid and I could always count on him to bring a smile to my face when ever I would walk into the locker room. We sat next to each other in our meeting room and he would always have a story that would give us a kick start for the day.
"Outside of football he was a great kid who genuinely wanted to help people and spread the joy he had in life. Very few people know what it takes to be an offensive lineman at that level and the bond that we build together, we didn't just lose a teammate, we lost a brother."
