Pro Bowl Center Wiegmann Attends Former Prep Coach's Funeral

July 3, 2009 3:24 p.m. EST

Des Moines, IA (AHN) - Denver Broncos center Casey Wiegmann received a haunting message from his high school coach Ed Thomas prior to his death, telling him to return in the event he passed away.

According to the Des Moines Register, Wiegmann received an email a month or two before the June 24 shooting in which Thomas lost his life to Mark Becker, 24, who was a former player under him.

"It's kind of creepy, but it seems like the guy almost knew something was going on," Wiegmann told the paper. "He wanted to have everything planned out."

Wiegmann did indeed return home for the funeral, and served as one of the pallbearers.

Overall, Thomas was very well liked by many of his students - present and former. His style led them to win far more than they lost, and even helped claim two state titles.

Becker was supposed to be in a hospital undergoing psychiatric care when he shot his former coach. He shot Thomas in the school's weight room.