Brian Shirk, a former three-sport athlete at Free State High, died Wednesday morning in an automobile accident in Topeka.

Shirk, 22, was a 2000 graduate of Free State who participated in football, wrestling and baseball in high school.

“He was a wonderful kid with a wonderful personality and a tremendous work ethic,” said Mike Hill, who coached Shirk in baseball and football. “He was the kind of kid that you really enjoyed coaching.”

Word spread Thursday through the coaching staff at Free State, and several took time to remember the former three-sport athlete.

“It’s a tragic loss for Brian’s family and for us and for everybody involved,” FSHS football coach Bob Lisher said. “Those things sure are tough to deal with.”

Shirk was the punter for the 1999 Firebird football team that went 7-3 and advanced to the state playoffs.

He also wrestled all four years of high school, but played baseball only through his junior year.

“Brian was one of those young guys that you loved to have around,” Lisher said. “He really worked his tail off to be a member of the football team. He was a little undersized, but it never stopped him. He worked real hard.”

Added Hill: “He excelled at all three sports that he did here. But more importantly, he was a super kid.”

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mustard Seed Christian Fellowship.