The Thomas Dale High School auditorium was filled Monday with students, educators, friends and family who’d come together for A Celebration of the Life of Vic Williams. Williams, who died on Nov. 20, 2010, coached football and taught at Thomas Dale for 23 years, which culminated in the Knights winning the Division 6 state championship in December 2009.

After Thomas Dale’s Marching Band opened the proceedings with the Theme from Rocky, Master of Ceremonies Ron Woody introduced Elder Randy Davis, who compared Williams’ and the Knights’ victory over Oscar Smith High School in the 2009 semifinals to David’s victory over Goliath.

“The champion in coach Vic lives on in us,” Davis said. “In us, all who ever had the privilege of knowing him.”