RICHMOND, Ky. (FOX 56) — EKU’s home opener was bittersweet for Richmond residents as the legacy of coach Roy Kidd was honored.

When the Eastern Kentucky Colonels took the field Saturday night, they were playing for more than just a win. Players, coaches, and fans gathered to pay tribute to Kidd, a man who led their program for four decades and left an unforgettable mark on this community.

“We thought of him for so long and never thought of him leaving us,” EKU fan and graduate Jan Barnes said.

A legend whose name will never be forgotten in the Richmond community.

“The Kidd family has always been a part of Richmond as long as I can remember,” Kelley McBride said.

McBride, a longtime friend of Kidd’s, will choose to honor him by fulfilling one last wish.

“Coach had asked me years ago, he mentioned to me, he said when I pass, I want you to sing at my funeral,” McBride said.

McBride would sing for the team during summer practices and will do the same on Monday when she says goodbye to a man who was larger than life.

“I want the family to feel the love and the comfort that myself and the rest of the community have for them,” McBride said.

Tributes carried onto the field as players and coaches wore shirts and patches honoring Kidd. The EKU marching colonels even spelled out “Kidd” during their pregame performance.

EKU Vice President and Director of Athletics Matt Roan said, “I think we’ve prided ourselves on this week making sure that we honor him appropriately because of all that he did good for this place and this community.”

“He’s touched so many hearts, it really is, it’s been sad, for the whole community, not only campus life but the city of Richmond and Madison County,” Barnes said.

Community members will gather once again on campus tomorrow to pay their respects to Kidd. His visitation will be held in the Center for the Arts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a funeral service planned for Monday morning at 11 A.M.

EKU fell 24-27 against the Western Carolina Catamounts Saturday night.