29-year-old Missouri S&T coach Shane Byrne died unexpectedly of unknown causes in his sleep last month. Byrne is survived by his wife, Amanda, and infant daughter, Grace.

Byrne, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, played club rugby for the Fort Leonard Wood in Southeast Missouri and the St. Louis Hornets before becoming the coach at Missouri S&T in Rolla, Mo. Byrne was a fierce leader and passionate coach who cared deeply about player welfare.

A memorial fund to help Byrne's young family has been set up in his honor at the Phelps County Bank: 718 North Pine Street, Rolla, MO 65401. Donations can be sent to the bank, with Byrne's name in the memo line.