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Friends and families of two former athletic standouts at South Stanly High School reflect on their lives after passing away this week in a motor vehicle accident.

Montrell Brewer (Class of 2014) and Rodney Liverman (Class of 2015) died Wednesday in an accident in Anson County. (See https://www.thesnaponline.com/2020/08/05/accident-in-anson-claims-lives-of-two-stanly-residents/)

Brewer was a state finalist in wrestling for the Rebel Bulls and played football and track while Liverman was on the basketball team and ran track.

Sean Whitley, South Stanly athletic director, issued a statement Friday: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of two former South Stanly student-athletes…our thoughts and prayers go out to each of these young men’s families.

Playing Through Tragedy

Former South Stanly wrestling coach Bill Sorensen shared a story about Brewer from his time on the mats.

At regionals one season, Brewer suffered a loss and needed to win his way through the consolation bracket to reach the state tournament.

After pinning a wrestler in the first period, Brewer’s next opponent was injured, giving the South wrestler the win by disqualification and putting him into the finals.

“Montrell was disappointed that he received a shortcut to the finals. He wanted to earn his placement,” Sorensen said.

Brewer went on to wrestle in the state finals tournament, ultimately losing to the 1A silver medalist in his weight class.

Sorensen said Brewer was “a natural athlete, very strong and agile and the other wrestlers hated sparring with him in practice.”

Calling him “a gifted wrestler, football player, track athlete” and “an asset to the school,” the former South wrestling coach said Brewer continued to compete despite huge personal losses.

Brewer lost his mother to cancer when he was young and lost his father while he was in high school.

“Through all that he kept on doing the right things and succeeding at sports,” Sorensen said.

On Facebook, Sorensen said Brewer “taught me the power of the human spirit and the strength found in basic human dignity. As his coach, he inspired me and continues to do so. I feel blessed beyond measure that (Brewer) was part of my life. I know heaven is a little brighter tonight with you and Rodney there. Thank you for coaching the coach man.”

Brad Frodge, Brewer’s football coach at South, said he “was a kid that was dealt a tough hand in life.”

But instead of giving up or quitting, Brewer finished high school and played multiple sports for South.

‘(Brewer) set a great example for kids that came after him. He was the perfect example of what I would want every student or athlete to become. He set a goal and strove for it everyday,” Frodge said.

Even after graduation, the former South coach added, Montrell came back and assisted other athletes in track while sharing his knowledge he had gained in school.

“Montrell was a great human being who always had a smile on his face and a great attitude,” Frodge said.

Whitley said Brewer “was a tremendous athlete and a kid who could light up a room with his personality.

“Hard-Working”

Mike Crump, who coached Liverman on the varsity men’s basketball team, said both he and Brewer played basketball with him at First Presbyterian Church.

“They were both responsible young men and never gave the coaches any issues. They both were liked by their teammates and we lost two good young men,” Crump said.

South’s athletic director also commented on Liverman, saying “he was a very hardworking young man and always had a smile on his face.”