July 18, 2014, was a day Powell, its residents, its high school and its football team will long remember.

Nearly a month away from the start of what would have been his 12th season as Powell High School’s head football coach, Jim Stringer collapsed and died from a heart attack in the front yard of his home. The impact the 44-year-old coach/teacher had within the Powell area was seen immediately, as thousands gathered for Stringer’s memorial service at PHS’ Panther Field.

Stringer had coached the Panthers to four Class 3A state championships during his PHS career, including three in a row from 2011-2013. PHS was preparing for a shot at history when Stringer died.

The effects of Stringer’s death were immediately visible on the football field. For the first time in his prep career, Stringer’s son, PHS senior Riley Stringer, was left to lead his teammates on the field without his father by his side. The Panthers came into the 2014 season riding a 27-game winning streak, but saw that end in a blowout loss to Custer County (Miles City, Mont.) in their zero week contest. PHS eventually sputtered to a 5-5 record and a first-round playoff exit.

Jim Stringer’s passing has left his family (wife Jill and three children), the town of Powell, its high school and its football program in a state of transition that will take years to adjust to, if not a lifetime.

“His loss will have a huge impact on Powell High School, the district and the community,” said Park County School District No. 1 Superintendent Kevin Mitchell. “He was a wonderful friend, teacher and coach, and more importantly, husband and father.”

See today's edition of the Powell Tribune to take a look back at some of the other major stories of 2014.