All too often our world overlooks the great people who walk among us.

We simply take them for granted and don’t stop often enough to say, “Thanks” to those we admire and respect.

Fortunately a group of former Natchez football players have rallied together to say, “Thanks, Coach” to a man who helped them win on the football field, but who also helped them understand the importance of hard work, attention to detail and inspiration.

Saturday night grown men came together to offer appreciation to former Natchez-Adams and South Natchez football coach Ed Reed.

With a record of 277-86-3, Reed is still regarded as one of Mississippi’s most successful high school football coaches.

With Reed now retired, Saturday’s event underscored just how much of an impact excellent teachers and coaches can be on the lives of youth. Almost 60 years after Reed first took a head coaching job in Natchez, his impact here is still playing out in the lives of those he coached and those he inspired.

We applaud Coach Reed, but also his former players for expressing their love and appreciation for Reed so publicly.

We cannot help but wonder how much better the youth of today could be if we had more Ed Reeds coaching, teaching and inspiring them.