At UCF: A business major at the University of Central Florida, Ereck redshirted his first football season in 2007 after enrolling at UCF a semester early graduating with honors from Lely High School in Naples. His UCF team would go on to record one its greatest all-time seasons this past season, including a 10-4 record and Conference USA Championship. Ereck was a standout member of UCF[apos]s scout squad during this heralded year as noted by his coaches and teammates.
A wide receiver heading into the 2008 season, Ereck tragically passed away at Florida Hospital East Orlando shortly before noon on Tuesday, March 18 after suffering complications at the conclusion of an offseason conditioning session. Spring football practice was to begin the following day. It was initially postponed indefinitely then rescheduled for Monday, March 24, following time off through Easter weekend.
A private memorial was held for the team, players, coaches and immediate support staff, by the Del Wright of the Central Florida office of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
'To watch and listen to this football team express their feelings about Ereck as a teammate and much more as a person was very moving,' Wright said. 'The players and coaches were able to open up and share what this outstanding young man meant to them. I think the memorial service will help them cope with the tremendous loss, continue the healing process and move them forward as a team.'
Funeral arrangements for Plancher have been set and the service will be held at Lely High School in Naples, Fla., on March 29 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ereck Plancher Memorial Fund. Donations can be sent to:
Ken Fairbanks at Lely High School
1 Lely High School Blvd.
Naples, Florida 34113
At Lely High School: Ereck Earned two letters in football playing under head coach Chris Metzger ... He was named a first team All-Area and All-Conference selection as a junior and senior ... Earned Lely[apos]s Team Offensive MVP honor as a senior after rushing for 628 yards and seven touchdowns, while also catching 20 passes for 329 yards and four touchdowns in limited action ... Was the Red Zone Player of the Year as a junior when he rushed for 1,028 yards and 14 touchdowns ... A member of the High Honor Roll as a junior and the National Honor Society as a senior (3.9 GPA) ... Earned a letter in basketball and two in track and field.